Politics


2008-02-12 20:34:00 Armenian Prosecutor General's Office has no information about participation of MP Henrik (Jonik) Abrahamyan's son in incident in Artashat
ArmInfo. On February 12, the Armenian Prosecutor General's Office made a statement concerning the incident in Artashat, Ararat region, that took place during presidential contender Levon Ter-Petrossyan's meeting with voters.

According to the statement sent to ArmInfo by the Prosecutor General's Office, the investigative group has no data about participation of MP Henrik (Jonik) Abrahamyan's son in the incident. The people on photos in two issues of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper are Armen Mirzoyan, a resident of Artashat town, Gegham Hakobyan, a resident of Arevshat village, and Norayr Grigoryan, a resident of Norashen village. They were questioned and gave testimony that they were present at the above-mentioned meeting. Their participation
in the crime committed during the meeting is being specified.



2008-02-12 20:30:00 Protest action is being held in front of the central electoral office of presidential candidate Levon Ter- Petrossyan
ArmInfo. A protest action has started in front of the central electoral office of presidential candidate, the first president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrossyan today.

Several dozens of people are taking part in the action. Their slogan is "Hazardous for Society and Civilization." The organizer, Artyom Khachatryan, says that the action will go on until Ter-Petrossyan
leaves the country.

Among the participants in the action there are people who came to Yerevan from Nubarashen and Artashat. Though the representatives of Ter-Petrossyan's campaign headquarters call the action a political order, the organizers of the action state that the action is the result of their own initiative. According to witnesses, the action participants and representatives of Ter- Petrossyan's campaign
headquarters had a verbal duel, which, however, didn't turn into a scuffle. Law-enforcers follow the action.



2008-02-12 19:42:00 Serzh Sargsyan: I am guided by a specific program, not emotions
ArmInfo. "We have a certain schedule to settle problems, and we are guided by a specific program, not emotions, Armenian Prime Minister, Leader of the Republican Party of Armenia, and currently a presidential candidate, Serzh Sargsyan told the residents of Aparan, Aragatsotn region, Tuesday.

He said that poverty, which is the main internal enemy of Armenia, can be reduced by joint efforts only. "According to my pre-electoral program, poverty in Armenia will make up 10% in 2013", Sargsyan
stressed. He added that it is not only a desire but a result of estimation. He emphasized that the forthcoming election is a fight between experienced and inexperienced people. "Armenia was ruled by
people who could have lead the country along the path of development, however, their untalented ruling resulted in the crisis faced by the country", Sargsyan said. "I am sure that together with you we'll gain
victory at the forthcoming election the way we did at the parliamentary one in May", the prime minister said.



2008-02-12 19:40:00 Serzh Sargsyan: There will be no growth in prices after presidential election
ArmInfo. My electoral program offers the shortest way to success and development, the prime minister of Armenia, the leader of the Republican Party, presidential candidate Serzh Sargsyan said today during a meeting with voters in Talin, Aragatsotn region.

He said that his electoral program was not an electoral promise but a realistic document. There will be no growth in prices after the presidential election. "Why should the prices grow? Just because some
candidates want it?" "The key problem of Armenia is imperfect administration system. By improving the system of administration, we will be able to meet the people's needs. I have a professional team and they are going to use all existing capacities," Sargsyan said.



2008-02-12 19:29:00 Armenian Justice Ministry keeps no criminal cases that caused a stir among the public
ArmInfo. The Armenian Justice Ministry kept no criminal cases that had caused a stir among the public, the Justice Ministry's message sent to ArmInfo says.

According to the source, criminal cases that caused a stir among the public, including the one about the Oct 27, 1999 act of terrorism in parliament of Armenia, are not kept at the Justice Ministry, as keeping, procedure and archivation of these cases are not in the Justice Ministry's authority.



2008-02-12 17:36:00 Russian web-site www.aif.ru also tells about Levon Ter-Petrosyan's meeting with Dmitry Medvedev
ArmInfo. The Russian web-site www.aif.ru gives information about the meeting of Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the first president of Armenia and currently a presidential contender, with First Vice Premier of the Russian Government, Vladimir Putin's official successor Dmitry Medvedev.

According to the source, Ter-Petrosyan held political consultations during his visit. "It has become known from unofficial sources that a short conversation was held between Ter-Petrosyan and First Vice
Premier of the Russian Government Dmitry Medvedev. In the course of the meetings in Moscow Ter-Petrosyan specified his position on the key issues. Levon Zurabyan accompanied Ter-Petrosyan. Head of the Armenian national club of Moscow "Miabanutyun" Smbat Karakhanyan qualified Ter-Petrosyan's visit to Moscow as a very efficient and important one", the source says.



2008-02-12 16:58:00 Political observer of First Channel of Russia Mikhail Leontyev: Levon Ter-Petrossyan perfectly realizes Russia's position on election in Armenia - not to intervene into internal affairs of its ally
ArmInfo. "Levon Ter-Petrossyan perfectly realizes Russia's position on the presidential election in Armenia - not to intervene into the internal affairs of its ally", political observer of the First Channel of Russia Mikhail Leontyev said in his interview with Radio Liberty, commenting upon his meeting with Levon Ter-Petrossyan, the first president of Armenia and currently a presidential contender, who paid a working visit to Moscow, Monday.

According to Mikhail Leontyev, his conversation with Ter-Petrossyan was long enough and covered various topics. "We have known each other since the times of the USSR Supreme Council, he is not a start-up in politics, and I am not a debutant in this sphere either", he said. Ter-Petrossyan perfectly realizes Russia's position on the election in Armenia, and the position is as follows: it is tactless to
intervene into the internal affairs of its ally, Leontyev said.

He pointed out that it was important for Ter-Petrossyan to show that Armenia would not change its foreign political orientation. "Russia's positions in the South Caucasus are not very strong. It has lots of
"allies" who would like to make them even weaker. So, I think that Ter-Petrossyan has managed to dispel Russia's apprehensions," Leontyev said.

Meanwhile, the assistant of the first vice prime minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev Vladimir Andrianov has neither refuted nor confirmed the report about Ter-Petrossyan's meeting with Medvedev.

In Moscow Ter-Petrossyan has also met with the president of RAO UES Anatoly Chubays.



2008-02-12 16:51:00 ArmInfo in the first ten of the Armenian mass media which enjoy confidence
ArmInfo. ArmInfo news agency entered the first ten of the Armenian mass media which enjoy confidence. Such a conclusion was made on the basis of the public opinion poll held by Pan-Armenian Association of Mass Media in the second half of January 2008.

Information centre "Noyan Tapan", "shant" TV company, "Aravot" and "Azg" daily, internet site "A1+", "Kentron" TV company and others entered the first ten. Radio Liberty enjoys the most confidence. Then comes Yerkir Media. Public opinion poll was held among 25 active political parties, 45 public organizations and 30 leaders of the organizations which always use information sources.



2008-02-12 16:48:00 Armenian law-enforcement agencies are checking statement of a candidate for president about bodily harm threat
ArmInfo. Armenian law-enforcement agencies are checking statement of the candidate for president Aram Harutyunyan about bodily harm threats, Armenian Prosecutor General Agvan Hovsepyan said at the press-conference today.

He also added that if the information is proved, a criminal case will be initiated. To recall, another candidate for president Artur Bagdasaryan also said about launching threats against him.



2008-02-12 16:43:00 Vazgen Manukyan believes that no opposition candidate for president of Armenia has chances to get 20% of votes
ArmInfo. No opposition candidate for president in Armenia has chances to get 20% of votes. Hence, we will reach the second round, Leader of National Demcoratic Union, presidential candiate Vazgen Manukyan told journalists, Tuesday.

'If there is no election rigging, the pro-governmental candidate Serzh Sargsyan will fail to gain victory in the first round', V. Manukyan said. He also added that victory of an opposition candidate in the first round is ruled out. In addition, only 4 opposition candidates have stable constituency. He called on the citizens not to yield to blandishment to vote for allegedly singe-whole candidate-winner, because it is a bluf used to get votes at the expense of others.



2008-02-12 16:42:00 Armenian prosecutor general calls absurd the rumours that fire at Justice Ministry was framed up
ArmInfo. Armenian Prosecutor General Agvan Hovsepyan disproved the rumours that fire at Justice Ministry had been framed up.

At today's press-conference when commenting on the rumours allegedly the fire was framed up so that to annul the criminal case on 27 October, prosecutor general called them absurd. 'Such information is an election trick and is invented by the people which are not aware of the Justice Ministry activity', - Agvan Hovsepyan said and added that criminal cases are not kept at Justice Ministry. 'All the archives are at preliminary investigation bodies or in the courts', - he said. A criminal cases was initiated on
the fact of the fire at Justice Ministry.



2008-02-12 16:35:00 Presidential candidate Arman Melikyan has no intention to refuse from protecting right to voting from aboard
ArmInfo. Presidential candidate Arman Melikyan has no intention to refuse from protecting the right to voting from abroad. He has already applied to the Constitutional Court, but his application was rejected.

He said at Pastark Debate Club, Tuesday, he had achieved an agreement with Parliamentary Speaker Tigran Torosyan that a full package of amendments to the acting law will be discussed and monitoring and relevant hearings at the Parliament will be organized in 6 months. 'I intend to be consistent in settlement of the issue', Melikyan said.

As regards the initiative of another candidate, Leader of National Accord party Aram Haroutunyan for the presidential candidates to unite around the concept of Karabakh peace process, A.Melikyan said
he is against the idea of uniting Karabakh and Armenia and will not join the initiative. However, he supports another part of the initiative on protection refugees' rights. It is noteworthy that presidential candidate, Leader of National Democratic Union Vazgen Manukyan has joined the initiative.



2008-02-12 16:35:00 Prosecutor General of Armenia: Artur Baghdasaryan has presented no proofs of his statement that he was threatened
ArmInfo. Artur Baghdasaryan, the leader of the Law-Governed Country Party, a presidential candidate, has presented no proofs of his statement that he was threatened with bodily harm, Prosecutor General of Armenia Aghvan Hovsepyan said at a press-conference, Tuesday.

Asked about the content of Baghdasaryan's letter, Hovsepyan said that the letter contained a statement that the leader of the Law-Governed Country Party was threatened, but no proofs were presented. "If such statements are made, there should also be proofs. We haven't yet received anything affording ground to institute a criminal case", Hovsepyan said. He added that he qualifies such ungrounded statements as another pre- electoral trick.



2008-02-12 16:29:00 Vazgen Manukyan: Armenia's joining NATO is inexpedient at present stage
ArmInfo. Presently, Armenia carries out a military-political cooperation with NATO, Chairman of the National-Democratic Union, RA presidential contender Vazgen Manukyan told journalists. He said that the issue of Armenia's joining NATO will be of no benefit to the republic in the near future, as NATO assures security containing not so much pluses for Armenia. 'For example, if Armenia claims of its intention to become a member of the Alliance, our relations with Iran and Russia will
considerably go bad, moreover, our protection from Azerbaijan does not grow. As for the interrelations with Turkey, Armenia has no security guarantees if both countries are in the Alliance', V.
Manukyan said. He added that cooperation with NATO at the present stage should be limited to the military-political and military-technical spheres, without ambitions on membership in this defense structure. 'What will happen 10 years later?: sufficient changes will take place in the world and, perhaps, this issue will be solved automatically or it will become senseless', V. Manukyan said.



2008-02-12 15:21:00 Armenian candidate for president Levon Ter-Petrosyan met vice-premier of Russian government Dmitriy Medvedev in Moscow
ArmInfo. Armenian first president, candidate for president Levon Ter-Petrosyan met vice-premier of Russian government, official successor of Vladimir Putin Dmitriy Medvedev in Moscow, which he visited yesterday with a two-day visit, a trustworthy source close to Levon Ter-Petrosyan's headquarters' leadership told ArmInfo correspondent. Ter-Petrosyan gave an interview to one of the Russian state TV channels which will be broadcast soon.



2008-02-12 12:05:00 Fire in RA Justice Ministry building not extinguished completely
ArmInfo. Fire in RA Justice Ministry building has not been yet extinguished completely.

As the Rescue Service of Armenia reports, as of 8:00 AM, the fire-extinguishing work are underway. To recall, the inflammation happened on February 9 morning. By the preliminary data, burning of electric wiring has become the fire reason.



2008-02-12 11:24:00 Heritage opposition party declares its official support of Levon Ter-Petrosyan's candidature for president of Armenia
ArmInfo. Heritage opposition party has declared its official support of Levon Ter- Petrosyan's candidature for president of Armenia, Tuesday.

Press Secretary of Heritage party Hovsep Khurshudyan and parliamentarian Vardan Khachatryan declared at Friday Club the party made a relevant decision no Monday late in the evening.







Economy


2008-02-12 12:59:00 Fifth International Economic Forum 'BRIDGE' to be held in Armenia
ArmInfo. The fifth International Economic Forum "BRIDGE 2008" will become one of the most bright events in Armenia's business life in winter, 2008.

As the Forum's Steering Committee told ArmInfo, the Armenian resort town of Tsakhkadzor will turn out the region's economic capital for three days, on February 15-18, 2008. Bridge Economic
Forum justifies the title 'Armenian Davos' being an integral part of business life in Armenia and a place for open dialogues of famous politicians, heads of legislative and executive power branches,
manufacturers and entrepreneurs, scientists, bankers, as well as investment and insurance companies. Heads and representatives of diplomatic and commercial missions, which are accredited in Armenia
represent the countries of Europe, Near East, Asia and America, will take part in the Forum. The main economic forum of the country has already stepped over the bounds of Armenia long ago and got an
international status. Like in previous years, this event will expectedly attract a great interest of the biggest political and economic figures from many countries of the world. Over 10 countries have already informed of their participation and the staff of their official delegations.

The 5th International Economic Forum "BRIDGE 2008" is organized by the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia and the Center of International Integration Support 'MASTER'. The Economic Forum is held under official support of RA Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, RA Foreign Ministry, Central Bank of Armenia and the Armenian Development Agency.



2008-02-12 11:21:00 Concession agreement on transfer of 'Armenian Railway' to control of 'Russian Railway' OJSC to be signed tomorrow
ArmInfo. Signing of a concession agreement on transfer of the "Armenian Railway" state CJSC to control of the "South-Caucasian Railway", being 100% affiliated company of the "Russian Railways" OJSC, will be held tomorrow, February 13, RA Ministry of Transport and Communication told ArmInfo.

According to the source data, the agreement will be signed by President of the "Russian Railway" OJSC Vladimir Yakunin and RA Minister of Transport and Communication Andranik Manukyan. The document signing will be followed by a press-conference. By the governmental decision, the "Armenian Railway will be liquidated". The government charged to relieve the ARW from credit commitments of
the International Development Association to the sum of $12,6 mln, signed with RA government on July 7, 2000.

To recall, the draft concession agreement was approved by RA government on February 7, 2008. Term of the concessionary control makes up 30 years with a right of prolongation for 20 years more
after the first 20 years of work. On January 16, 2008, the "ARW" OJSC was announced a winner of the tender on transfer of the Armenian Railway to the concession control.


Finance and banks


2008-02-12 19:39:00 The Rating Agency Am Rating has maIntained ARARATBANK's rating at B+ but changed its outlook from
ArmInfo. The Rating Agency AmRating has mantained ARARATBANK's rating at B+ but changed its outlook from "stable" to "possible upgrade."

Referring to RusRating, Bankir.ru reports that factors affecting the rating are a high development rate, maximum transparency, strong support of an independent shareholder, positive development dynamics,
and strong fundamentals along with a change in status from closed to open joint-stock company in order to attract more capital funds. Constraining factors include insufficient resource diversification,
the fast growth of a high-risk retail loan portfolio and high competition. Possible upgrade is due to capital growth and positive standards in corporate governance.

According to Emmanuel Mkrtchyan, Executive Director of AmRating, the same rating and changes in the outlook reflect the Bank's serious approach to attract additional funds by entering the market and
diversifying its capital structure. The Bank continues to improve its indicators by adopting new technologies, improving corporate governance, offering a wider range of services and, as a result,
increasing its client base as trust in the bank is growing. His remarks are supported by the successful DPO (direct public offer) in December, when demand was significantly higher than supply for the bank's issuance of shares totalling 381.5mn drams. As a result of the open shares' subscription, the bank acquired 83 new shareholders.

ARARATBANK is a small, private, developing bank in Armenia, controlled by one of the largest oil-traders of the country, the company "Flash". In August 2007 the bank was the third in the country
to become an open joint stock bank. Its main focus is servicing corporate clients and developing retail services. Its strategy aims to take it to the leading positions in the retail and financing sector of the economy in Armenia, as well as the securities, mortgage, consumer loans and deposit markets .The bank participates in international loan programmes. As of 2 February 2008 it had 15 branches, including the only specialized Western Union branch in the country .

AmRating is an independent rating agency in the Republic of Armenia, part of the GlobalRating Group, which includes RusRating (Russia), KzRating (Kazakhstan) and now AzeriRating (Azerbaijan). AmRating was founded in December 2006. The main focus of the agency is rating banks and providing analytical analysis of the banking sector.



2008-02-12 18:21:00 Armeconombank and Black Sea Trade and Development Bank signed agreement to $5 million
ArmInfo. Today, Armeconombank and Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) signed an agreement to $5 mln, which will be allotted for crediting of small and midium-sized business in Armenia. The agreement was signed by Executive Director, Chairman of the Board of Armeconombank David Sukiasyan and Director of Financial Institutions of BSTDB Nejet Sarisosen.

As Armeconombank's press-service told ArmInfo, credits will be extended within the frames of the agreement according to the "criteria and procedures of small and medium-sized business crediting", developed and specified by BSTDB. Armeconombank will allocate the funds with repayment period of 5 years, and the maximum amount of one credit makes up $400,000. In particular, the credit will be extended to the companies which specialize in production, trade and services. "This agreement proves once more that Armeconombank
is faithful to its policy of assistance to further development of small and midium-sized business in Armenia", the message says. To note, Armeconombank also takes part
in the programmes for crediting of small and midium-sized business of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Financial Corporation (IFC) and the KfW German Bank.

According to Ranking of RA commercial banks, prepared by ArmInfo Agency, the bank assets, as of January 1, 2008, made up $165.6 mln, the bank's credit portfolio - $93.5 mln, the total capital -
$27.8 mln. The bank received net profit of $6.2 mln and has 45 branches.



2008-02-12 11:26:00 Exchange rate of dram against US dollar and EUR
ArmInfo Today, the maximum buying rates at commercial banks of Yerevan were 309 drams for 1 dollar, 449 drams for 1 EUR and 12,29 drams for 1 Russian ruble. The minimum selling rates stood at 311 drams for 1 dollar, 453 drams for 1 EUR and 12,5 drams for 1 Russian ruble.


Social


2008-02-12 11:18:00 Armenia is among main countries-receivers of transfers from RF gastarbeiters
ArmInfo. A new record on money transfer to CIS countries from gastarbeiters (migrant workers), working in RF, was fixed in 2007.

As the Russian Mass Media report, according to the Central Bank's, about $36 bln have been transferred abroad in 2007 by natural persons from Russia via money transfer systems and the 'Mail of Russia'. Transfers of gastarbeiters in Russia make up a considerable part of these amounts. Uzbekistan (16,7%), Tajikistan (15,9%), Ukraine (15,4%), Armenia (10,1%) and Moldova (8,7%) have become the main receiver- countries. By estimations of experts of the Institute of Energy and Finances, the 'transfers from Russia
to Armenia increased from $615 mln in 2006 to almost $700 mln in 2007'. At the same time the experts think that Russia does not sell to disadvantage either from such a practice. According to the data of the Federal Migration Service, the gastarbeiters turned out products in RF to $50 bln in 2007, (about 4% of RF GDP volume), and transferred only $13 bln to the Motherland. The workers, officially registered in the municipal companies, have to be paid 20 - 25
thsd rubles monthly, while 10-15 thd rubles per month are enough for illegal workers.

The experts specify that money transfers are only part of the funds carried outwards by gastarbeiters. About $18 bln are carried over in cash and via a system based on the chain of personal contacts.