Politics


2008-01-22 13:50:00 Armenian delegation to PACE to make statements on several reports of winter session agenda in Strasbourg
ArmInfo. Armenian delegation to PACE is going to make statements on several reports of winter session agenda in Strasbourg, chief specialist of the foreign relations department of the Armenian National Assembly, Armenia's representative in PACE permanent secretariat Estera Mkrtumyan.

She said, in particular, that speeches of members of the Armenian delegation to PACE are scheduled today - that of the head of the permanent commission on European integration Avet Adonts and the leader of the Heritage faction Raffi Hovannisian. Moreover, members of the Armenian delegation are going to ask questions to Slovakia's Foreign Minister Jan Kubis and Secretary General of the Council of
Europe Terry Davis regarding preserving of the cultural heritage in the South Caucasus and Nagornyy Karabakh. Over the PACE session, which will last till 25 January, representatives of the Armenian delegation will also make speeches on the reports "Rights and obligations of opposition in democratic
parliament", "Necessity of preserving of the European sports model", "UN Security Council and 'black lists" of the European Union", "Georgia's obligations", etc.



2008-01-22 13:48:00 Presidential candidate Armen Melikyan intends to apply to Constitutional Court regarding voting from abroad
ArmInfo. Presidential candidate of Armenia Armen Melikyan intends to apply to the Constitutional Court of Armenia regarding the voting from abroad, the candidate said at a press conference, Tuesday. To recall, after the amendments to the Election Code, polling stations will be opened only in the territory of Armenia.

A. Melikyan said he will apply to the Court within the week. He believes the restriction infringes the rights of the citizens. 'I think that those who actually feed the greatest part of the population from aboard have a right to participate in the political life of their country and in its future. Moreover, I think that I have rather serious electorate in abroad that is now deprived of the right to support me. Thus, I think, my rights of the presidential candidate are infringed as well. In addition, this restriction
threatens the voting on the whole', he said.



2008-01-22 13:42:00 Armenia's Ramkavar Azatakan party to support none of nine candidates at forthcoming presidential election
ArmInfo. Armenia's Ramkavar Azatakan party will support none of the nine candidates at the forthcoming presidential election. As the party's press-service told ArmInfo, holding of transparent and legitimate election is of much importance for the party's republican board. The party urges those, responsible for the election, not to damage the international prestige of Armenia.



2008-01-22 13:38:00 CIS monitoring mission headquarters in Yerevan
ArmInfo. Today the CIS monitoring mission headquarters was opened in Yerevan, and the head of the mission Vladimir Garkun (Belarus) met chairman of Armenian Central Electoral Commission Garegin Azaryan.

As Vladimir Garkun told journalists after the meeting, the CIS monitoring mission was invited by Armenian Foreign Ministry and is going to implement short-term as well as long-term monitoring of the presidential election. There are 5 observers within the delegation, the number of which will grow up to 17 and later to 170 people representing the CIS, the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and Russia-Belarus Union. The CIS observers are going the electoral campaign of the candidates for president, to visit their
headquarters and all the district electoral commissions and to watch the voting process at the election day.

He also added that he is not going to comment on the fact that as a rule conclusion of the CIS monitoring mission differs from that of the European structures. "We are not going to comment on other
structures work as we are answerable only for our work", - Vladimir Garkun said.



2008-01-22 13:37:00 Delegation of a short-term PACE monitoring mission to monitor presidential election in Armenia consists of 30 people
ArmInfo. The delegation of a short-term PACE monitoring mission to monitor the presidential election in Armenia on 19 February consists of 30 people, deputy director of information department of the Council of Europe Vahagn Muradyan told ArmInfo correspondent.

He also added that a parliamentarian from the Great Britain, member of the Socialistic Group, John Prescott, will head the short-term monitoring mission. Moreover PACE delegation is visiting Armenia from 28 January to 1 February with a pre-electoral visit. 'This rime the main purpose of the PACE delegation visit is to learn the domestic political situation in the country over the pre-electoral period of time', - Muradyan said and added that traditional visit is paid at the period when ODIHR/PACE delegation already
starts monitoring. The delegation, which will be also headed by John Prescott, consists of 5 representatives, one from each faction.



2008-01-21 20:08:00 Restoration of justice underlies Vahan Hovhannisyan's election program
ArmInfo. Restoration of justice underlies the election program of Vice-Speaker of RA National Assembly, representative of Board of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party, presidential candidate Vahan Hovhannisyan, the latter said, January 21, when presenting his election program.

According to him, our state lacks justice, namely. "The Armenian nation has proved its ability to live more than once, but this is only the process of existing of the nation. It's high time to enter the process of development", he emphasized. According to him, it is the justice that is lacking in our state. "Armenian people proved their vitality for several times, but it is only the process of the nation's existence. It is time to start the process of development", he stressed. Hovhannisyan thinks that Armenians
succeeded in any point of the world, except their motherland, as the law is equal for everybody in all countries, except Armenia. The candidate emphasized that restoration of justice should be the basis of the state, socio-economic, security spheres, which need systemic reforms. "Our key goal is to restore people's confidence in the authorities. People cannot trust the authorities if they don't trust the origin of these authorities' mechanisms. Therefore we strive to
hold transparent and fair election, and I guarantee it", he said.



2008-01-21 19:53:00 Leader of National Unity Party presents his pre-electoral program
ArmInfo. Artashes Geghamyan, the leader of the National Unity Party and currently a presidential candidate, presented his pre-electoral program at Tigran Mets Hall of Marriott Armenia Hotel, Monday.

Geghamyan's "Program of Creation" consists of 164 pages. It gives a deep analysis of problems faced by the country and proposes real solutions to the problems. At the same time, a part of Geghamyan's Jan 21 speech criticized the present and former authorities.



2008-01-21 19:30:00 Armenian representative is elected vice-president of PACE
ArmInfo. Head of the RA Delegation to PACE Davit Harutyunian is elected vice-president of the structure, the official site of PACE reports.

According to the source, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (APCE) elected its Vice-Presidents, January 21. According to the results of the elections, PACE vice-presidents include: Fatima
Aburto Baselga Spain, Milos Aligrudic Serbia, Aleksander Biberaj Albania, Joan Albert Farre Santure Andorra, Andreas Gross Switzerland, Davit Harutyunyan Armenia, Serhiy Holovaty Ukraine, Joachim Horster Germany, Mladen Ivanic Bosnia and Herzegovina, Danuta Jazlowiecka Poland, Konstantin Kosachev Russian Federation, Goran Lindblad Sweden, Jean-Claude Mignon France, Fritz Neugebauer Austria, John Prescott United-Kingdom, Andrea Rigoni Italy, Samad Seyidov Azerbaijan, Paul Wille Belgium, Boris Zala Slovakia. The
seat of Vice-President in respect of Cyprus remains vacant. To note, Lluis Maria de Puig from Spain is elected new president of PACE.



2008-01-21 19:15:00 Presidential election in Armenia to be held in 2 rounds, a political expert thinks
ArmInfo. The presidential election in Armenia will most likely be held in two rounds, Head of the RA Union of Politicians Hmayak Hovhannisyan said at a press-conference at Friday club, Monday.

This statement is proved not only by the fact that 9 candidates announced their intention to run for president, but also by the circumstance that some politicians who state their adherence to the oppositional field are intending to deliver a blow on not pro-governmental parties but oppositional ones, and this will also affect the election returns. "I think you understand whom I mean. One shouldn't break head over it as if it is a question of a difficult crossword", he said. Another factor which may influence
the result of the election is the protest electorate. It would be a mistake not to take into account this electorate's existence, Hovhannisyan said. "The protesting electorate has not changed in the republic since 1995. As the two round presidential election in 1998 and 2003 showed, this electorate can make its voice heard", he said. At the same time, Hovhannisyan admitted that Levon Ter-Petrosyan will have to do his best to gain the affection of the protest electorate. B
ut one can say that a certain part of population forgave him conditionally. To gain complete trust of the population, he should carry out all his
pre-electoral promises at least if he is elected", he said. However, Hovhannisyan noted that he welcomes the Armenian ex-president's participation in the election whatever happens. "The emergence of his figure in the political field became a kind of accelerator to tighten the fight between the presidential candidates", he said.



2008-01-21 18:59:00 Representative of Heritage Party: Electorate may face away from us if an early and unbalanced decision on presidential election in Armenia is taken
ArmInfo. "If an early and unbalanced decision on presidential election in Armenia is taken, the electorate may face away from us", Press-secretary of the oppositional Heritage Party Hovsep Khurshudyan said to ArmInfo correspondent.

According to him, one of the key reasons why Heritage decided not to support any of the presidential candidates yet is that none of them thought it necessary to give complete written answers to the
questions addressed to all the candidates for president. In addition, the opposition drew no morals from the recent parliamentary election campaign when the oppositionists failed to go to the election in a consolidated way and therefore got beaten. "The support of a candidate during the election is not an aim in itself for us. A decision will be taken in favor of the candidate who proves practically that the most important thing for him is to win and hold systematic reforms in the country", Khurshudyan said.

Asked whether the possibility of support of ARF Dashnaksutyun representative Vahan Hovhannisyan increases in the context of Leader of the National-Democratic Union Vazgen Manukyan's probable
withdrawal from the fight in Vahan Hovhannisyan's favor and Heritage Party's appeal to four candidates to join forces, Khurshudyan replied: "Among our questions addressed to presidential candidates, there was a question on the intention to go up to the end during the electoral campaign. Now I can only say that possible consolidation of at least two alternative candidates to the power is unlikely to play
a crucial role when we take a decision". Khurshudyan didn't rule out the possibility that Heritage may take the final decision before the possible second round of the presidential election.



2008-01-21 18:47:00 Armenian presidential candidate from ARF Dashnaktsutyun Vahan Hovhannisian is the first among presidential candidates to answer 'Heritage' party's questions in written
ArmInfo. Armenian presidential candidate from ARF Dashnaktsutyun Vahan Hovhannisian was the first among the presidential candidates to answer "Heritage" party's questions in written.

A reliable source told ArmInfo, V. Hovannisyan's written answers to "Heritage" party's questionnaire reached the office of the opposition "Heritage" party in the morning, January 21. ARFD's contender to the presidential post answered all the 22 questions posed to all the candidates by the "Heritage party's Board on December 18, 2007.

To note, this took place two days after ARFD's Board made a decision, according to which the party, which hasn't the right to participate in the presidential election with its own candidate still doesn't
intend to support any of the candidates. It was stated in the decision adopted by the managing body of "Heritage" party, in the night of January 19, that none of the presidential candidates has officially responded to the questionnaire of public information. Concern was also expressed in the document in connection with that the opposition never learnt a lesson from the latest parliamentary election and didn't take the path of consolidation. "Heritage" party's board appealed presidential candidates Vazgen Manukyan,
Vahan Hovhannisyan, Artur Baghdasaryan and Levon Ter-Petrosyan to reconsider their election strategy. "If the need, that at least two of the above mentioned join, is not met, the party will make its final decision later", the decision of "Heritage" party's Board says. It is obvious that ARFD's presidential candidate Vahan Hovhannisian, who was the first to answer Heritage's questions after this decision, hopes to get its support in the presidential election.



2008-01-21 18:46:00 Armenian Prime Minister and first president of Armenia to start campaign on Armenian Public Television
ArmInfo. Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan and first president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan will start presidential campaign on the Armenian Public Television, drawing at the Armenian Central Electoral Commission determined the presidential campaign on public TV and Radio.

The legislation of Armenia requires publication of the drawing results in January 22 issue of Hayastani Hanrapetutyun daily, as well as demonstration and broadcasting of presidential campaign rolls on TV and Radio starting from January 23. The campaign will open Serzh Sargsyan on January 23. Afterwards the following candidates will be on the air: Levon Ter-Petrosyan, Leader of National Unity Artashes Geghamyan, Leader of Orinats Yerkir party Artur Baghdasaryan, Leader of National Democratic Union Vazgen Manukyan,
Leader of National Accord Party Aram Haroutunyan, ARFD Bureau member Vahan
Hovhannissyan, Leader of People's Party, Head of ALM Holding Tigran Karapetyan and the former adviser to president of NKR Arman Melikyan.

On the last day of the campaign on February 17 Aram Haroutunyan will start the campaign on television and Serzh Sargsyan will complete it. Under a relevant decision by the Armenian CEC, the candidates have a right to use by 2 free and by 4 paid minutes on the air from January 23 to February 11, and by 3 free and by 6 paid minutes from February 11 to February 17. On February 17, they are given by 4 free and by 8 paid minutes on the air. A minute on the air of the Armenian Public Television was estimated AT 80,000
drams. Presidential rolls on the air will be demonstrated started from 5:15 pm immediately after the news program 'Haylur'. A minute on the air of the Public Radio is estimated at 20,000 drams. Starting from January 23 to February 11 the candidates will receive by 4 free and by 6 paid minutes on the air from 1:30 pm. From February 11 to February 11, they will be given by 6 free and by 9 paid minutes and on February 17 by 8 free and by 12 paid minutes. By drawing, Arma
n Melikyan will open the campaign on the air of Public Radio. Then go Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Vahan Hovhannissyan.



2008-01-21 18:41:00 European Union Three to arrive in Armenia on February 6
ArmInfo. The EU Three will arrive in Armenia on February 6, Spokesperson of the Armenian Foreign Ministry Vladimir Karapetyan told ArmInfo correspondent.

Karapetyan said that EU Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner, as well as Slovenian and French representatives will pay a visit to Armenia. "Dimitrij Rupel, the foreign minister of Slovenia, which is currently the presiding country in the EU, will also come to Armenia with the delegation", Karapetyan said. He added that at the moment it is not known yet who will represent France, the future presiding country in the EU. The representatives of the EU Three
will meet the Armenian leadership. The agenda of the talks will mainly be focused on EU-Armenia cooperation within the frames of the European Neighborhood Policy, Karapetyan noted.



2008-01-21 18:39:00 Anti-Christian moods intensified in Turkey within year after murder of Hrant Dink: Armenian expert
ArmInfo. The anti-Christian moods intensified in Turkey after murder of Editor-in-Chief of the "Agos" Armenian-Turkish newspaper Hrant Dink, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of RA NAS Ruben Safrastyan said at today's press-conference in Yerevan. He also said that a number of events happened in the internal political life of Turkey during 2007, which indicate intensification of the anti-Christian, nationalistic and Pan-Turkish moods in the country. "Growth of the number of
Christians' murders in Turkey is an evidence of this", the expert said. He added that the overwhelming majority of the Turkish society is under a deep influence of the nationalistic and Kemal ideology. "These moods also reflected on the political field of Turkey, to the parliament of which the extremist and Pan-Turkish party "Grey Wolves" passed", R. Safrastyan resumed.

To recall, Hrant Dink was murdered was on January 19, 2007 in Istanbul by a teen-ager, belonging to the nationalist organization.



2008-01-21 18:34:00 Serzh Sarkisyan to visit his capital city headquarters at the first day of campaigning
ArmInfo. Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan will visit his Yerevan headquarters today.

As press-service of his central headquarters informed ArmInfo, Serzh Sarkisyan will visit the headquarters of the Arabkir and Erebuni capital city districts. From 22 to 24 January Sarkisyan will meet residents of Syunik and Vayots Dzor regions of Armenia.

To note, on 19 January representatives of the Armenian show-business said they are going to support Sarkisyan's candidacy at the presidential election. They think that the prime minister is a serious politician which proved over his long-term activity that he is just the person worthy of the presidential post. They are going to perform free concerts in different regions of Armenia over the election campaign.



2008-01-21 18:32:00 Artur Baghdasaryan to take part in presidential election under motto 'New Armenia - New Opportunities to Everyone'
ArmInfo. Today, RA presidential contender, "Orinats Yerkir" party leader Artur Baghdasaryan presented his election programme. A. Baghdasaryan takes part in the election under the motto 'New Armenia - New Opportunities to Everyone'. He started his speech by critics to the policy of the present authorities almost in all the spheres: the economic, demographic, army construction and others. He said that there is a great number of unemployed and socially unsecured people in the country, the
population's outflow from the republic and reduction of the birth rate is apparent, the "business enlargement" processes actively proceed, due to which the business is concentrated in hands of
several tens of families, the country's highest ranks and their friends. "Armenia is the most noncompetitive country of the region", A. Baghdasaryan said.

After that, "OY" party leader passed to his own programme and presented its bases. He said that the country's economic policy needs fundamental changes. He thinks that it is necessary to organize a work by the principle of development of specific programmes for each village in order to solve the regions' problems. "Every village should have its passport where the problems of this village, the ways and the terms of their solution will be recorded", A. Baghdasaryan said. In addition, it is necessary to develop
own production and cerate workplaces. "OY" party leader promises to create 100,000 new workplaces within 5 years. He also offers to transfer the Army to the contractual basis, that will allow "to kill two birds with one stone", that is, the problem of the part of workplaces will be solved besides solution of the army problems. "I advocate peaceful solution of the Karabakh conflict.
However, mobilization exists in case of a war threat", Baghdasaryan recalled. Touching the issue of construction, "OY" leader claimed of the necessity of state assistance in the housing construction.
"Only elite construction is carried out presently in Armenia", the presidential contender said. He also emphasized the necessity of reducing the taxes and dues that, according to him, will improve the
economic situation in the country. Moreover, A. Baghdasaryan considers it necessary to increase the pensions and implement a pension reform for creation of accumulative funds.

In conclusion, A. Baghdasaryan emphasized the fateful importance of the forthcoming presidential election for the country and promised to carry out specific reforms in all the spheres, assure the
priority of laws, improve the people's welfare, increase the salaries and pensions and strengthen the initiative foreign political course in case of his election. According to A. Baghdasaryan, in case he is elected, Armenia will become one of 50 leading states of the world and one of 30 country-leaders in science.



2008-01-21 18:30:00 US Presidential candidate Barack Obama gives solemn promise to recognize Armenian Genocide if elected
ArmInfo. Presidential candidate Barack Obama shared with the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) a strongly worded statement today calling for Congressional passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106 & S.Res.106), and pledging that, as president, he will recognize the Armenian Genocide.

In his statement, the Presidential hopeful reaffirmed his support for a strong "U.S.-Armenian relationship that advances our common security and strengthens Armenian democracy." He also pledged to "promote Armenian security by seeking an end to the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades, and by working for a lasting and durable settlement of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict that is agreeable to all
parties, and based upon America's founding commitment to the principles of democracy and self determination."

"Armenian American voters welcome Senator Obama's powerful call for real change in how our government addresses the core moral and foreign policy issues that hold such great meaning for our
community," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "After decades of White House complicity in Turkey's efforts to block American recognition of the Armenian Genocide, most recently in the form of President Bush's personal efforts this past October to delay the Armenian Genocide Resolution, the time has clearly come for a President who will personally lead - not obstruct - the commemoration of this crime against all humanity."

As a Senator, Barack Obama has spoken in support of U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide and cosigned a letter urging President Bush to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. He has forcefully
called for the adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution, but has yet to formally cosponsor this legislation. While visiting Azerbaijan in August 2005, Senator Obama was asked by reporters why
he cosigned the letter to President Bush. Obama defended his decision by stating the genocide was a historical fact. The Illinois Senator publicly criticized the firing of former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans, who was dismissed for speaking truthfully about the Armenian Genocide.

In recent weeks, the ANCA has invited each of the candidates to share their views on Armenian Americans issues, and to comment on both the growing relationship between the U.S. and Armenian governments and the enduring bonds between the American and Armenian peoples. Questionnaires sent to the candidates have invited them to respond to a set of 19 questions, including those addressing: affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, U.S.-Armenia economic, political, and military relations, self-determination for Nagorno
Karabagh, the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades, and the genocide in Darfur.



2008-01-21 18:15:00 Presidential candidate promises to boost population growth
ArmInfo. Presidential candidate Leader of Orinats Yerkir party Artur Baghdasaryan promises financial contribution to boost population growth in Armenia.

A. Baghdasaryan presented his campaign program on Monday and stressed the lack of a complex and targeted family assistance program in Armenia at present. He believes that the present day negative trends are a direct threat to the state. A. Baghdasaryan thinks it necessary paying by 200,000 AMD for newborn first child in a family, 300,000 AMD for the second child, 500,000 for the third child, 600,000 and 700,000 AMD for the fourth and the fifth newborn children in the family, and 1 million drams for the 6th child.
The candidate believes it necessary assisting young families in purchase of housing through
discount mortgage lending. Moreover, he thinks that the mortgage-lending discount must make up 20% after birth of the third child in a family, 50% after the fourth child. In case of a birth of the 7th child in a family, the loan may be redeemed.



2008-01-21 18:11:00 Thousands remembering Dink demand justice
ArmInfo. Thousands gathered on Saturday in front of the Agos weekly newspaper in Istanbul on January 19 to commemorate its former editor-in-chief, Hrant Dink, on the first anniversary of his death and called for all those behind the murder to be brought to justice, Zaman reports.

Dink was shot dead in front of the same building on Jan. 19, 2007, by an ultranationalist teenager named O.S. Those participating in the ceremony started gathering in front of Agos, located on Halaskargazi Street in the central Beyoglu area, in the early morning hours carrying banners reading "For Hrant, For Justice." Flowers were laid and candles lit on the street, while a huge picture of Dink covered part of the building where he had worked.

Turkish and Armenian versions of the song "My Brave, My Lion Is Lying Here" as well as other Turkish and Armenian folk songs Dink loved were played during the ceremony. The demonstrators sounded an
Armenian woodwind instrument known as the duduk at 2:58 p.m., the time of the shooting.

Nineteen people, including two leaders of an ultranationalist group, are currently on trial for Dink's murder at a court in Istanbul. But those higher up who may have abetted the murder or covered up for
fellow police continue to act with impunity, despite widespread evidence of tampering with the investigation. "We are on the street where they tried to clean his blood with soap," Dink's widow, Rakel, said in an emotional address from a window in the newspaper's office. "You are here for justice today. A scream for justice rises from your silence," she stated. The murder of Dink one year ago triggered widespread anger and shock in Turkey and caused massive crowds to take to the streets, chanting "We are all
Armenians, we are all Hrant Dinks."

Turkish Penal Code (TCK) Article 301, under which Dink was convicted, had been blamed for his death since it made him a target for ultranationalists. Article 301, which criminalizes the ambiguous concept of denigrating "Turkishness," has proven itself to be a major obstacle to freedom of speech.

Dink was convicted for an article he penned in Agos expressing his views on the mass killings of Armenians at the hands of the Ottomans in 1915. The Armenians say the killings amounted to genocide, while Turkey denies it.

On Saturday Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin told journalists that work on changes to the infamous Article 301 has been completed. Sahin said the proposed amendment to the article will be submitted to
Parliament as a draft for debate in a general assembly session. In response to criticism that the Dink investigation and trial were moving very slowly, he stated that such trials could not be completed overnight and that patience was needed. He said the prosecutors were being very diligent in their investigation. "Such important trials may not always be completed in a year; you have to understand that," he said. Meanwhile, a religious ceremony was held in the Armenian Church of Mother Mary on Sunday to commemorate
Dink. His widow, Rakel, daughters, Sera and Delal, son Ararat, his brother, Orhan Dink, Mayor of Sisli Mustafa Sar?gul and members of Istanbul's tiny Armenian community attended the service led by Zakeus Orhanyan.

In its turn, Russian Public Television ORT reports the gather turned into disorders. Stones and bottles were thrown to police officers, who had to apply force. Dozens of demonstrators are detained.



2008-01-21 11:48:00 RA FM took part in ceremony of inauguration of Georgia's president
ArmInfo. RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan took part in the ceremony of inauguration of Georgia's President Mikheil Saakashvili in Tbilisi. As RA FM's press-service reports, during the solemn ceremony, Vardan Oskanyan congratulated the Georgian president with the election and conveyed RA President Robert Kocharyan's greeting.



2008-01-21 10:03:00 Election campaign starts in Armenia
ArmInfo. Election campaign of RA presidential, contenders officially starts in Armenia today. It will be over a day before the election. The Central Election Committee of Armenia registered all the nine candidates on January 18, who submitted the documents for participation in the presidential election. Armenia's Prime Minister, Chairman of the Republican party of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, "Orinats Yerkir" party leader Artur Baghdasaryan, first President of Armenia Levon Ter- Petrosyan, Head of the "National Unity"
party Artashes Geghamyan , leader of the National-Democratic Union, ex-Prime Minister Vazgen Manukyan, Parliament vice speaker, "Dashnaktsutyun" party's Bureau member Vahan Hovhannisian, Head of the ALM TV Company, leader of the People's party Tigran Karapetyan, the "National Accord" party leader Aram Harutyunyan and ex-adviser of the NKR president Arman Melikyan. The preliminary results of the election should be announced on February 20 till 6:00 AM by
Yerevan time. The final results of the voting will be announced by RA CEC till February 26.



2008-01-21 09:50:00 Hrant Dink commemorated in Tbilisi
ArmInfo. An event named "Journalists - Victims of the Freedom of Speech" was held on January 19 in the Georgian ombudsman's office in memory of Editor of the "Agos" Armenian newspaper Hrant Dink, killed in Istanbul, as well as in memory of Giorgy Sanaiya, Anna Politkovskaya and many other journalists, who have become victims of their professional activity.

As the editorial office of the "Yerkramas" newspaper of the Armenians of Russia told ArmInfo, the event was organized and initiated by the "Armenian Center of Cooperation of Georgia" jointly with the Council
of the national minorities under ombudsman's administration. People's advocate of Georgia Sozar Subara and President of the Armenian Center of Cooperation of Georgia Karen Elchyan presented papers on the subject "Tendencies and Problems of Development of the Modern Journalism in the Region"; "Hrant Dink - Victim of the Article 301. Response of International Organizations to His Murder".
The event started with a minute of silence in memory of Hrant Dink. Representatives of Mass Media, the Armenian community of Tbilisi and other public organizations were present at the event.

Total of 111 journalists died within 2007 during performance of their professional duties, and this number exceeds the tragic statistics of the previous years. Hrant Dink is one of the first victims of 2007. The journalist's murder was condemned by Heads of the European structures and many international organizations.

2008-01-21 09:45:00 I have no doubt, the events of 1915 was genocide, Hrant Dink said in an unpublished interview
ArmInfo. 'I have no doubt, the events of 1915 was genocide', - Hrant Dink told Turkish journalist Alin Ozinian in October 2006 in an interview at www.genocide-museum.am site. To note, the interview was not published earlier.

Speaking about an attempt of diplomatic relations establishment with Turkey without preconditions suggested by Armenia and the committee of historians proposed by Turkey, Hrant Dink said that he does not think Turkey's attitude is an honest one. 'The Armenian side is more sincerely', - Dink said. He explained that he has doubts that the committee of historians will be of any use, as such policy will go on without relations and results.'This is the way which Turkey loves: no relations. I think Azerbaijan also
obliges such policy to Turkey. The Armenian side is more reasonable and expects more',- Hrant Dink said.



2008-01-21 09:43:00 Denmark does not officially recognize Armenian genocide in Ottoman empire
ArmInfo. Denmark does not officially recognize that Ottoman massacres of Armenians during World War I constitute a "genocide", Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller said in a written parliamentary answer.

As AFP reports, "In the government's opinion, this is a historical question that should be left up to the
historians," Moeller wrote in a written parliamentary answer, indicating that Denmark would not follow the lead of some 20 other pro-armenian countries, including France, that have labeled the killings "genocide" despite the position of historians.Moeller's note came in response to a question from extremist parliamentary member Morten Messerchmidt, of the far-right Danish People's Party and close to armenian lobby in Denmark, on whether "Denmark had officially recognized this genocide.""It is unfortunate that
the Danish government refuses to join other countries in recognizing this genocide," Messerschmidt told AFP.



2008-01-21 09:41:00 NKR defence minister: At present there is only one Armenian war prisoner in Azerbaijan
ArmInfo. Nagornyy Karabakh Republic keeps to strict arrangements regarding immediate returning of Azerbaijani army servicemen that came over the Karabakh party, the NKR Defence Minister Movses Hakopyan told journalists, as ArmInfo correspondent reports from Stepanakert.

He also added that after the relevant work with war prisoners they are returned to their native land via the Red Cross International Committee. At the same time Hakopyan worries about the attitude towards war prisoners in Baku. He also said that there few cases when the NKR Defence Army servicemen come over the Azerbaijani party. At present there is only one Armenian war prisoner in Azerbaijan, which came over the enemy party having served in the army for a week, and today he does not want to come back to his
native land. A criminal case was initiated against him.



2008-01-21 09:39:00 40 'fast' legal advice motor vehicles to run at the territory of Armenia at the election day
ArmInfo. A total of 40 "fast" legal advice motor vehicles will run at the territory of Armenia at the election day - 19 February, the leader of the project "Legal initiative, election - 2008", Gayane Markosyan, said at the seminar "For the love of well-informed citizen and voter".

She said that from 15 January to 15 March "hot telephone line" will function ar the territory of the republic 080-080-804, and citizens may apply free for legal advice. For fast reaction to the signals about violation of voters' rights, 40 motor vehicles will run at the territory of the republic (10 in Yerevan and the rest in other regions). The "crew" of the motor vehicle will consist of a lawyer, civil activist, observer and a journalist in case of necessity.



2008-01-21 09:37:00 RA Police denies statement of Orinats Yerkir Party's representative that falsifications during election are being prepared
ArmInfo. RA Police denies the statement of Orinats Yerkir Party's representative that falsifications during election are being prepared.

To recall, at a press conference on January 16, the head of campaign headquarters of Orinats Yerkir Party's candidate Heghine Bisharyan expressed surprise at the fact that a greater sum is allotted for
printing passports in 2008 than in 2007. She also declared about possibility of falsifications during the coming presidential election by way of printing "extra" passports. In this connection, the press service of RA Police made a statement denying these declarations. According to the statement, the same sum is allotted for printing passports in 2008 as in the previous years. As to forged passports, the Police recalls that earlier, it had already denied this. The Police also say after election lists were placed
at www.elections.am and posted to the polling stations, no statements about inaccuracies in the lists were received from Orinats Yerkir Party.



2008-01-21 09:27:00 OSCE MG Co-Chairmen to prepare new variant of base principles
ArmInfo. OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen will prepare new variant of the core principles basing on the proposals given in Baku and Yerevan, Russian Co-chair Yury Merzlyakov told at a press conference in Baku, January 18, APA reports.

According to him it would not be right to assess the issue as divergence between the parties. "One party demands independence, the other refuses it. Each of the parties gives interpretation to the core principles' points important for them. There should not be such divergences after the principles are coordinated," he said. French Co-chair Bernard Fassier said that sometimes the parties demonstrate such different positions that it shows rightness of the co-chairs, who have decided that the core principles should
be determined before the settlement of the conflict. He noted that the co-chairs decided to give time to the parties to withdraw from their positions a bit, in order to assess the highlights, not the details. American co-chair Matthew Bryza did not attend the press conference, as he
left Baku earlier.







Economy


2008-01-22 13:40:00 Natural gas consumption by organizations up 12.9% in Armenia in 2007
ArmInfo. Natural gas consumption by organizations grew by 12.9% to 1.337 bln cubic meters in Armenia in 2007 as against 2006, CJSC ArmRusgasprom reports.

The number of gas consumer-organizations rose to 6,250 in 2007 as against 4,838 in 2006. Last year gas supply to the largest consumers grew as well. Thus, the supply to CJSC Nairit Plant was up 47.9%, to CJSC Araratcement - 14.4%, CJSC Mikacement - 1.4%, to CJSC Yerevan TPP - 0.05%. Natural gas consumption by Hrazdan TPP Ltd was down 3.9% to 368 mln cubic meters.

Armenian-Russian CJSC ArmRusgasprom is a monopoly supplier of natural gas in Armenia.



2008-01-21 18:44:00 Natural gas import from Russia into Armenia up 19.7% in 2007
ArmInfo. Import of natural gas from Russia into Armenia was up 17.9% to 2 billion 54 million cubic meters as against 1 billion 716 million in 2006, CJSC ArmRusgasprom reports.

The source reports, sales in Armenia were up 17.9% to 1 billion 869 million cubic meters for the period under review. Consumption by population was up 32.5% to 532 million cubic meters and by industrial enterprise by 17.5% to 406 million cubic meters. Consumption by energy sector fell by 0.8% to 507 million cubic meters. Budgetary organizations used natural gas for 44 million cubic meters which was by 29.6% more than in 2006. Other consumption was up 29.7% to 382 million cubic meters.

Armenia has been purchasing gas from Russia for $110 per 1.000 cubic meters since January 1 2006. CJSC Armrosgasprom is the monopoly supplier of natural gas to Armenia.



2008-01-21 18:42:00 'Rostekhnologia' Russian corporation offers to establish 'Lada' car assembly in Armenia
ArmInfo. The Russian State Corporation "Rostekhnologia" delivered equipment to Armenia since 2002 for military needs to the sum of $25 mln, Director General Viktor Chemezov said in Yerevan today during the Armenian-Russian economic forum.

He said that the Company delivered two airplanes Il-76, spare parts and materials to the air defense systems and other equipment. V. Chemezov added that the Company intends to extend its presence in Armenia, for which it opens a representation in Yerevan, that will function started February, 2008. He also said that the "Rostekhnologia" is ready to supply not only military products but also high technologies to Armenia. In particular, the matter concerns packages with software. V. Chemezov also offered to create
an assembly workshop in Armenia for production of "Lada" cars.



2008-01-21 18:37:00 13.8% GDP growth recorded in Armenia in 2007
ArmInfo. GDP in Armenia grew by 13.8% Jan-Dec 2007 as compared with the same period of 2006, the preliminary data of the RA National Statistical Service say. In December GDP grew by 36.1% totaling 3,140 bln AMD or $9.2 bln in late December. GDP index deflator grew by 3.9%. The AMD/USD exchange rate for the period under review averaged 342.08 AMD/$1 USD.

GDP grew due to a considerable increase in population incomes by 25.4% as against Jan-Dec 2006 and by 26.7% in December totaling 2,121 bln AMD or $6.2 bln). The annual growth of services (trading
exclusive) made up 21% (30.1% in December) to 542 bln AMD ($1.6 bln). Construction grew by 19.5% and by 41.6% in December, totaling 666 bln AMD ($1.9 bln). Population expenses for Jan-Dec 2007 grew by 23.3% and by 36.2% in December to 1,997 bln AMD ($5.8 bln).

Electricity generation was up 35.1% in December and down 0.7% as against Jan-Dec 2006, making up 5.897.4 mln kWh. Industrial produce for Jan-Dec 2007 was up 2.6% and 1.2% to 716.1 bln AMD or $2.1 bln. Foreign turnover grew by 19.6% in December and 41.7% in Jan-Dec 2007, making up 1,525.7 bln AMD or $4,500 mln. In the structure of foreign turnover, exports grew by 28% in December, and by 23.7% in Jan-Dec 2007. Imports grew by 16.6% in December and by 49.7% in Jan-Dec 2007.


Finance and banks


2008-01-22 13:51:00 Exchange rate of dram against US dollar and EUR
ArmInfo Today, the maximum buying rates at commercial banks of Yerevan were 306 drams for 1 dollar, 440 drams for 1 EUR and 12,1 drams for 1 Russian ruble. The minimum selling rates stood at 307 drams for 1 dollar, 445 drams for 1 EUR and 12,3 drams for 1 Russian ruble.



2008-01-21 19:09:00 On January 21 USD share price totals 305,7 AMD/1 USD
ArmInfo. 34 lots worth a total of $3,845 mln (1.175 bln AMD) were sold at today's currency auction at the Armenian Exchange (ArmEx) at the average exchange rate of 305,7 AMD/1 USD. It was by 0,07% lower than the index of the previous auction on January 18.

Demand for USD totaled $2,160 mln, with supply being $500 thsd. The best demand price was 306 AMD/1 USD (the average price - 305,63 AMD/1 USD), the best supply price was 306,5 AMD/1 USD (the average price - 306,85 AMD/1 USD).

The opening price for USD was 304 AMD/1USD, closing - 306,25 AMD/1USD, minimal - 304 AMD/1USD, maximal - 306,5 AMD/1 USD.

On the whole, from January 6, 2007 up to January 21, 2008 inclusive, $782,064 mln and 96,442 thsd EUR were sold at ArmEx, with the USD average exchange rate of the transactions for this period of time
falling from 364,5 to 305,7 AMD/1 USD and the EUR average exchange rate - from 483,5 to 466,73 AMD/1EUR. The maximal volume of transactions was registered on 26 November, 2007, - 78 lots worth a
total of $25.690 mln (7.835 bln AMD) at the exchange rate of 305 AMD/1 USD. The minimal volume of transactions was registered on 7 January - 3 lots worth $100 thsd (36.450 mln AMD) at the exchange
rate of 364,5 AMD/1 USD.



2008-01-21 10:38:00 Exchange rate of dram against US dollar and EUR
ArmInfo Today, the maximum buying rates at commercial banks of Yerevan were 305,5 drams for 1 dollar, 444 drams for 1 EUR and 12,1 drams for 1 Russian ruble. The minimum selling rates stood at 306,5 drams for 1 dollar, 448 drams for 1 EUR and 12,4 drams for 1 Russian ruble.


Ecology


2008-01-21 19:05:00 A number of Armenian oppositional parties exert joint efforts to be involved in district electoral commissions
ArmInfo. "The campaign headquarters of presidential candidates Levon Ter- Petrosyan and Vazgen Manukyan applied to us to provide seats in the district electoral commissions. We gave our consent, and now the technical aspect of the issue is being solved, i.e. we are receiving lists to present these people for work in the district electoral commissions", Press-secretary of the oppositional Heritage Party Hovsep Khurshudyan told ArmInfo correspondent.

According to him, Heritage is ready to present its seats in district electoral commissions only to non- parliamentary parties, and after this process is over, the list of the electoral commissions, where
these oppositionists will be present, will be published. "We had to take such a decision as we had a shortage of licensed persons. It is unambiguously the Central Electoral Commission's fault, which didn't
respond to out request to organize additional training courses for members of the electoral commissions. And during several months Heritage couldn't manage to provide its members with license to participate in the work of all the 1923 electoral commissions. As a result, we are ready to provide members of non-parliamentary parties with a great number of seats", Khurshudyan said.

He noted that the lists with the names of the persons licensed to participate in the district electoral commissions' work are presented by the People's Party of Armenia and the Republic Party supporting
the candidacy of Armenian ex-president Levon Ter-Petrosyan, as well as the National-Democratic Union whose leader Vazgen Manukyan is also a candidate for president.



2008-01-21 18:56:00 An Armenian-Georgian ecology inspectorate has been created
ArmInfo. A joint ecology working group on inspection of borderline regions has been created between Armenia and Georgia within the frames of an intergovernmental agreement, Head of the Public Relations Department of the Armenian Environment Ministry Artsrun Pepanyan told ArmInfo correspondent.

The first working meeting of the group consisting of representatives of the both countries' environment ministries will be held in February 2008. The group is to prepare the regulations of the joint ecology inspectorate's activity. According to Pepanyan, the joint inspectorate will aim to fight against poaching on the Georgian-Armenian border, as well as to monitor the state of trans-border rivers and the environment in general.



2008-01-21 10:59:00 Protectors of Teghut forest demand from RA government to cancel contract with ACP Company
ArmInfo. A group of protectors of the Teghut forest in Armenia's Lori region sent a regular letter to all the nine RA presidential contenders urging them, in their election programmes, to stop development of the Teghut copper-molybdenum deposit.

Earlier, a similar letter was sent by 40 public organizations with an appeal to revise intensive development of the country's resources, as well as include provisions on their rational use, in their election programmes. The letter emphasizes importance of solving the ecological problems which directly concerns the country's citizens. In particular, the authors of the letter, with reference to the data of the World Health Organization, mark that Armenia takes the second place after Kyrgyzstan by the number of
children born with pathological anomalies. The authors of the letter also emphasize that 600 ha of a unique virgin forest will be destroyed during development of the Teghut deposit that, for its part, will negatively affect the flora and fauna of the region. The group of protectors of the Teghut forest also said that the agreement, signed by Armenia's government with the "Armenian Copper
Project" Company (ACP), to which the right for the deposit exploitation has been conveyed, is not up-to-date.

To recall, development of the copper-molybdenum deposit in Teghut, Lori region, Armenia started without the conclusion of Armles (Armforest) CJSC on possible damage to Lalvar's forestry. The forest in Teghut is under Armles's control. At the same time, according to the assessment of specialists of Armles, 50 000c/m of the forest will be cut down for the development of the deposit on 357ha lot of
Teghut.

At the same time, ecologists assert that in case of development of the copper- molybdenum deposit in Teghut all the lands adjacent to it will turn into a "dead zone" and ACP company has no ecological
conclusion with the proposals of all the interested departments. Up to now the project doesn't include any conclusion on possible damage to archeological monuments, dating to ancient era. At the same time, in the government they only speak about economic gain of the project, and Director of ACP Gagik Arzumanyan said in his talk with journalists that the ore concentrate will not be fused at Alaverdi's
melting plant, as it was supposed to be, but will exceptionally be exported. The company made this decision taking into consideration unprofitability and the possible closure of Alaverdi's copper- molybdenum plant in connection with the fact that the term of fulfillment of environmental obligations by ACP company expires in 2009. The National Assembly didn't extend this term.