Politics

2008-02-20 10:05:00 Almost 2/3 of ballot papers counted

ArmInfo. As of 04:05 AM the Central Electoral Commission has counted 1,074,031 ballot papers: almost 2/3 of all ballots.

54.93% of votes have been given to Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan, 19.65% to the first president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrossyan, 17.06% to the leader of Orinats Yerkir party Artur Bagdassaryan, 5.92% to the vice speaker of the Armenian Parliament, member of ARFD Vahan Hovhannissyan.

To note, after the CEC began receiving results from electoral districts in Yerevan, the rating of Serzh Sargsyan began to drop, while that of Levon Ter-Petrossyan - to climb.


2008-02-20 02:19:00 Almost half of ballot papers counted

ArmInfo. Almost half of ballot papers have been counted as of 3:00 PM. The Central Electoral Commission of Armenia has already counted 811,661 ballot papers: 55.99% of votes have been given to Serzh Sargsyan, 18.67% to Levon Ter-Petrossyan, 17.26% to Artur Bagdassaryan and 5.83% to Vahan Hovhannissyan.


2008-02-20 01:49:00 Over 1/3 of ballots counted

ArmInfo. Over 1/3 of ballots have been counted as of 2:20 AM.

The Central Electoral Commission of Armenia has so far counted 586,039 ballot papers: 57.54% of votes have been given to Serzh Sargsyan, 17.69% to Levon Ter-Petrossyan, 16.79% to Artur Bagdassaryan and 5.89% to Vahan Hovhannissyan.


2008-02-20 01:21:00 Electoral office of Levon Ter-Petrossyan points to artificial slow-down of vote count in Yerevan

ArmInfo. During their press-conference this night, representatives of the central electoral office of Levon Ter-Petrossyan pointed to sharp slow-down of the vote count in Yerevan.

The member of the office, the chief editor of Haykakan Zhamanak Nikol Pashinyan said that the Central Electoral Commission was deliberately refraining from giving the results in the districts carried by
Ter-Petrossyan. "They are trying to exert psychological pressure. They are attempting a criminal coup. We are convinced that Levon Ter-Petrossyan has won the first round and our further actions will be based on this conviction," Pashinyan said.

The staff of the central electoral office of Levon Ter-Petrossyan insist that the turnout has been overstated by as many as 500,000 voters - "this is a good basis for manipulations."

The supporters of Ter-Petrossyan are planning to gather near Matenadaran today at 3:00 PM and to make known their further plans.


2008-02-20 01:11:00 As of 02:00 AM Serzh Sargsyan was leading in the presidential race

ArmInfo. As of 02:00 AM Prime Minister of Armenia, the leader of the Republican Party Serzh Sargsyan was leading in the presidential race with 263,497 votes.

Levon Ter-Petrossyan had 78,762 votes, Artur Bagdassaryan - 74,816 votes and Vahan Hovhannissyan - 26,852 votes.


2008-02-20 00:45:00 Serzh Sargsyan is leading in the presidential race

ArmInfo. According to the preliminary report of the Central Electoral Commission, Serzh Sargsyan is leading in the presidential race.

At 1:30 AM he had 216,079 votes, Levon Ter-Petrossyan - 60,563, Artur Bagdassaryan - 57,514 and Vahan Hovhannissyan - 21,073.


2008-02-20 00:24:00 As of 1:15 AM Serzh Sargsyan is the leader of the presidential race

ArmInfo. As of 1:15 AM the leader of the Republican Party, Prime Minister of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan has polled 193,921 votes.

According to the preliminary report of the Central Electoral Commission, Levon Ter-Petrossyan has 52,540, Artur Bagdassaryan - 50,308, Vahan Hovhannissyan - 18,787 votes.


2008-02-19 23:23:00 CEC gives new preliminary results of presidential election: Serzh Sargsyan in the lead

ArmInfo. The Central Electoral Commission of Armenia has given new preliminary results of the presidneial election.

Serzh Sargsyan has polled 68.43% of 103,634 votes, Levon Ter-Ptrossyan 13.02% and Artur Bagdassaryan - 12%.

Vahan Hovhannissyan has 5,333 votes, Tigran karapetyan - 300, Artashes Gegamyan - 328, Arman Melikyan - 259, Vazgen Manukyan - 409 and Aram Haroutyunyan - 153.


2008-02-19 23:18:00 Office of Prosecutor General of Armenia institutes criminal proceedings over report of beating

ArmInfo. The Office of the Prosecutor General of Armenia has instituted criminal proceedings over the report of beating of observers Armen Martirossyan, Zaruhi Postanjyan and journalist Lusine Barsegyan.

The press secretary of the office Sona Truzyan reports that the investigation is being carried out by a special group.


2008-02-19 23:02:00 Shant TV channel gives new preliminary results of presidential election in Armenia

ArmInfo. Shant TV channel has given new preliminary results of the presidential election in Armenia covering 154 electoral districts and 48,994 voters.

Serzh Sargsyan is in the lead with 29,256 votes (59.7%), Artur Bagdassaryan is the second with 11,356 votes (23.1%). The ex president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrossyan has polled 7,340 votes (14.9%).

To note, Shant is carrying out an independent vote-count.


2008-02-19 23:02:00 Electoral office of Artur Bagdassaryan says that exit polls have given victory to the leader of Orinats Yerkir

ArmInfo. The electoral office of presidential candidate, the leader of Orinats Yerkir party Artur Bagdassaryan says that the exit polls carried out by a number of NGOs jointly with OY have given victory of Bagdassaryan.

Bagdassaryan is said to have polled 35% of votes, Serzh Sargsyan - 33%, Levon Ter-Petrossyan - 20.5% and Vahan Hovhannissyan - 7%. The remaining candidates have got just 4% of the votes.

Orinats Yerkir is attentively following the vote count and will make a statement as soon as it ends.


2008-02-19 22:41:00 CEC: Serzh Sargsyan polled 76.6% of votes in 38 electoral districts, Artur Bagdassaryan is the second with 8%

ArmInfo. According to the preliminary report of the Central Electoral Commission of Armenia on 38 electoral districts, Serzh Sargsyan has polled 76.6% of 8,469 votes.

Artur Bagdassaryan polled 8% of the votes, Levon Ter-Petrossyan - 7.9%, Vahan Hovhannissyan - 4.4%, Tigran Karapetyan - 0.5%, Artashes Gegamyan - 0.2%, Arman Melikyan - 0.2%, Vazgen Manukyan - 0.15% and Aram Haroutyunyan - 0.1%. The count is underway.

There are 1,923 electoral districts in Armenia.


2008-02-19 22:18:00 CEC sums up results of voting at 38 polling stations: Serzh Sargsyan is in the lead

ArmInfo. The Central Electoral Commission of Armenia has summed up the results of the presidential election at 38 polling stations.

The chairman of the CEC Garegin Azaryan says that they have counted 8,469 votes: Serzh Sargsyan has polled 6,490 votes, Artur Bagdassaryan - 685, Levon Ter-Petrossyan - 673, Vahan Hovhannissyan -
375, Tigran Karapetyan - 29, Artashes Gegamyan - 19, Arman Melikyan - 18, Vazgen Manukyan - 13 and Aram Haroutyunyan - 10.

145 ballot papers have been declared void.


2008-02-19 21:39:00 New Times party refutes report that its leader made a row

ArmInfo. New Times party has refuted the report that its leader Aram Karapetyan has made a row at polling station 13/02.

To remind, referring to a proxy of Serzh Sargsyan, his central electoral office reported Karapetyan to break into the polling station and to start threatening the proxy of Serzh Sargsyan. The source quoted Karapetyan as saying that he would kick all the supporters of Serzh Sargsyan out of the country.

New Times party says that Karapetyan visited several polling stations today but behaved well and did nothing illegal. Karapetyan is going to ask the Office of the Prosecutor General to find out who is that
proxy and how the above information has got into the press.


2008-02-19 21:16:00 As of 20:00 PM Armenian Police gave certificate 'Form 9' to 661 Armenian citizens

ArmInfo. As of 20:00 PM Armenian Police gave certificate "Form 9" to 661 Armenian citizens. To recall, citizens in case losing their passport may vote on the basis of this certificate.

As the of Public Relations and Information Department of Armenian Police Sayat Shirinyan said at his third press-conference today, 264 citizens restored their election rights on the basis of this certificate given by the passport departments of the Armenian Police.


2008-02-19 20:54:00 Exit poll by Alliance civil initiative gives victory to Levon Ter-Petrossyan

ArmInfo. Alliance civil initiative has conducted an exit poll at 100 polling stations. They have questioned 4,406 people. 3,550 of them (66%) agreed to answer.

The vice chairman of Alliance Gevork Melikyan says that 474 people (15.5%) voted for Artur Bagdassaryan, 40 (1.3%) for Artashes Gegamyan, 38 (1.2%) for Tigran Karapetyan, 8 (0.2%) for Aram
Haroutyunyan, 195 (6.4%) for Vahan Hovhannissyan, 90 (2.9%) for Vazgen Manukyan, 9 (0.2%) for Arman Melikyan, 1,084 (35.4%) for Serzh Sargsyan, 1,152 (37.7%) for Levon Ter-Petrossyan.

Melikyan says that it was an independent survey. They planned to question 0.2% of all voters - 2,300 people.


2008-02-19 20:49:00 Representative of Levon Ter-Petrosyan's campaign headquarters casts doubt on CEC's data on turnout

ArmInfo. Grigor Harutyunyan, a member of Levon Ter-Petrosyan's campaign headquarters said at a press-conference that the data on turnout published by the Central Electoral Commission
(CEC) are exaggerated.

"According to the data as of 5 pm, over 1 mln 360 thsd people voted in the republic, and this information doesn't comply with the reality at all", Harutyunyan stressed.


2008-02-19 20:47:00 ARF Dahsnaktiutyun worries about 'crying facts of violations' over the presidential election, in particular about 'the clash of the two candidates' supporters'

ArmInfo. ARF Dahsnaktiutyun party worries about "crying facts of violations" over the presidential election.

As ArmInfo correspondent was informed from the headquarters of the candidate for president, member of the ARFD Vahan Hovannesyan, the crying facts of violation were fixed at the ballot stations 7,8 and
17, as well as in Garni town. The party also worries about "clash of the two candidates' supporters" and is waiting for the relevant actions from law-enforcement agencies.


2008-02-19 20:38:00 Invalid ballot papers disclosed at one of the ballot stations

ArmInfo. Information about violations over the voting process continue arriving at hot line of "Legal Initiative: Election 2008" public organization.

As ArmInfo was informed, a voter of 5/28 ballot station informed that there were only signatures of the two instead of three members of the electoral commission at the back-side of the ballot papers. This is breaking of Armenian Electoral Code. Moreover, according to the decision of Armenian Central Electoral Commission dated 9 February 2008, a ballot paper which does not have three signatures is recognized invalid.


2008-02-19 20:38:00 Central Electoral Commission of Armenia receives 5 complaints concerning the course of presidential election in Armenia

ArmInfo. The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Armenia received 5 complaints concerning the course of the presidential election in Armenia, CEC Secretary Abram Bakhchagulyan said.

According to him, the CEC has already responded to 2 complaints, one more complaint has been sent to the Prosecutor-General's Office, 1 is underway, and the CEC members have just started considering one
complaint.


2008-02-19 20:32:00 As of 8 pm Armenian courts of general jurisdiction received 98 claims on inaccuracies in voting lists

ArmInfo. As of 8 pm, the Armenian courts of general jurisdiction received 98 claims on inaccuracies in voting lists.

Press-secretary of the Armenian Court of Cassation Alina Yengoyan said that the court of general jurisdiction of Lori region received 38 claims (36 are satisfied, 2 - rejected), the court of Syunik
region - 1 (rejected), the court of Ararat and Aragatsotn regions - 1 (satisfied), the court of Arabkir and Kanaker- Zeytun communities of Yerevan - 13 (2 satisfied, 11 rejected), the court of Ajapnyak and
Davtashen communities of Yerevan - 1 (rejected), the court of Avan and Nor Nork communities of Yerevan - 7 (6 satisfied, 1 rejected), the court of Kentron and Nork-Marash communities of Yerevan - 31 (3 satisfied, 28 - rejected), the court of Erebuni and Nubarashen communities of Yerevan - 5 (4 claims were abandoned, 1 is rejected). No claims on electoral disputes were filed to the administrative
court.


2008-02-19 20:31:00 Head of central electoral office of Levon Ter-Petrossyan: Our candidate has won all over Armenia

ArmInfo. Despite the attempts of the regime to ensure its reproduction, the incoming reports say that our candidate is winning all over the republic, the head of the Central Electoral Office of Levon ter-Petrossyan Alexander Arzumanyan said during a press-conference today.

"Our people have shown high activity and most of them have given their votes to Ter-Petrossyan. The authorities will certainly try to do their best to rig the ballot but people know the value of their votes and nobody will let them do that," Arzumanyan said.

The member of the central electoral office of Ter-Petrossyan Nikol Pashinyan promulgated the results of the exit poll conducted by Alfa-Ga: 54.2% voted for Levon Ter-Petrossyan, 24.4% for Serzh Sargsyan, 8.4% for Vahan Hovhannissyan, 8.2% for Artur Bagdassaryan.

To note, some other organizations have reported dyametrically opposite figures and have given victory to Serzh Sargsyan.


2008-02-19 20:30:00 According to preliminary report of CEC, 1,641,672 people or 69.25% of all voters have taken part in the presidential election

ArmInfo. According to the preliminary report of the Central Electoral Commission, 1,641,672 people or 69.25% of all voters have taken part in the presidential election.

The secretary of the CEC Abram Bakhchagulyan says that in Yerevan the turnout was 69.47% (530,575 people), in Aragatsotn region 67.7%, in Armavir region - 72.8%, Ararat region - 66.26%, Gegarkunik region - 74.81%, Kotayk region - 71.8%, Lori region - 66.1%, Shirak region - 63.7%, Sunik region - 73.7%, Vayots Dzor region - 71.62% and Tavush region - 68.96%.


2008-02-19 20:29:00 According to exit-poll, Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan gathered 57,01% of votes at the presidential election

ArmInfo. According to exit-poll, Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan gathered 57,01% of votes at the presidential election. British Populus company published such results in Yerevan today after holding an exit poll at 126 ballot stations. According to preliminary data, the first Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrosyan is a runner-up gathering 17,04% of votes.

The leader of the opposition Orinats Yerkir party Artur Bagdasaryan occupied the third place gathering 14,6% of votes according to the exit poll. Vahan Hovannesyan from ARF Dashnaktiutyun gathered 5,98%
of votes. The poll was ordered by Armenian Public TV. All the rest candidates for president gathered not more than 1,6% of votes.


2008-02-19 20:13:00 Serzh Sargsyan's campaign headquarters: Leader of New Times Party Aram Karapetyan 'made a row' at polling station 13/02 in Erebuni community of Yerevan

ArmInfo. According to the campaign headquarters of Serzh Sargsyan, the prime minister of Armenia, leader of the Republican Party of Armenia, Aram Karapetyan, the leader of the New Times Party "made a row" at polling station 13/02 in Erebuni community of Yerevan.

The source says that visiting the above-mentioned polling station, Aram Karapetyan started threatening, shouting and swearing. He told Serzh Sargsyan's election agent that he will get even with him personally. According to Sargsyan's election agent, Aram Karapetyan said that he will do his best "to make all supporters of Serzh Sargsyan to run away from the country".


2008-02-19 20:09:00 Levon Ter-Petrosyan's statement allegedly he gained the victory contradict such a democratic and legal process like election

ArmInfo. Statements of the candidate for president Levon Ter-Petrosyan and his election headquarters allegedly he gained the victory contradict such a democratic and legal process like election.

As ArmInfo was informed from press-service of the RPA headquarters, nervous statements, sounded before the protocols of the electoral commissions are not in line with a view of the major part of voters. In fact these statements are anti-democratic and illegal. "This is evidence of intolerance and radicalism of Ter-Petrosyan's team>, - the RPA press-release says.


2008-02-19 20:09:00 Presidential election ended in Armenia - all 1923 ballot stations of the country were closed

ArmInfo. Presidential election ended in Armenia - all 1923 ballot stations of the country were closed at 20:00 PM. As Armenian Central Electoral Commission reports, as of 17:00 PM 57,14% of voters took part in the election. About 15thsd observers from 39 local and 6 foreign organizations were monitoring the election.

To recall, according to the Electoral Code, preliminary results of voting will be presented at 20:00 PM, on 20 February, and final results - on 25 February.


2008-02-19 19:25:00 Voting results concluded at one of the ballot stations of Shirak region of Armenia

ArmInfo. We have the first results of the presidential election in Armenia. As Armenian Central Electoral Commission reports, 13 prisoner-voters took part in the election at 36/59 ballot station located at one of
the prisons of "Artik". Two of the ballot papers were recognized invalid, the rest 11 voted for Serzh Sarkisyan.


2008-02-19 19:19:00 Serzh Sargsyan's campaign headquarters denies statements of Levon Ter-Petrosyan's campaign headquarters

ArmInfo. The press-service of Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan's campaign headquarters has come out with denial of the statement of Nikol Pasniyan, a member of Levon Ter-
Petrosyan's campaign headquarters, the editor-in-chief of Haykakan Zhamanak daily.

"We qualify Nikol Pashinyan's statement concerning the course of the presidential election as a consequence of his mentally unbalanced state", the press-service of Serzh Sargsyan's campaign headquarters said to ArmInfo. According to the source, Ter-Petrosyan's campaign headquarters continues its consistent activity based on misinformation, insults and threats to justify its own
disappointment.

Most people of Ter-Petrosyan's electorate are law-abiding citizens who soberly estimate the situation and distinguish their political preference from unsatisfied political expectations of some persons,
the statement says. Serzh Sargsyan's headquarters appeals to the authorized structures of the country to pay attention to some items of Levon Ter-Petrosyan's statement concerning instigation to civil
disobedience.

"As regards the results of exit-polls, we ourselves possess relevant current information, but we can't yet publish the details as per the law's requirements. However, these data prove Levon Ter-Petrosyan's
defeat. As for the signals of the Center of public control over presidential election created by the Heritage Party, we state that the information of this Center can't be considered unbiased taking
into account whom the party supports", the source says.


2008-02-19 19:10:00 If you did not voted you cannot leave Armenia?!

ArmInfo. Presidential election in Armenia were marked not only by mass media and public organizations information about the cases of election process violation, but also by incredible rumours. People which did not vote worry about an unofficial rumour that they cannot leave the country and will be punished in such a way since they did not take part in the presidential election.

To recall, a stamp was put in the passports of those who voted to prevent possible fraud. But at the moment many people worry about absence of this stamp which may have sad consequences.


2008-02-19 18:20:00 Prosecutor General Office institutes 5 criminal actions concerning activities of candidates' proxies

ArmInfo. The Office of the Prosecutor General of Armenia has instituted five criminal actions concerning the activities of proxies of presidential candidates. The press secretary of the Prosecutor General Sona Truzyan says that the proxy of Levon Ter-Petrossyan in electoral district 28/06 of
Abovyan Ruzanna Movsissyan left the polling station without warning the members of the local electoral commission. After that, a group of proxies of Levon Ter-Petrossyan broke into the polling station and
began insulting the commissioners and hindering their work. Truzyan says that the report by the press service of Ter-Petrossyan that 124 people have voted at that district while there were over 500 ballot
papers in the ballot box is not true. The second action has been instituted on the basis of a statement by the proxy of Levon Ter-Petrossyan in electoral district 28/07 of Abovyan Larisa Torossyan, who told the police of Kotayk region that at 7:30 PM three unknown people broke into the polling station, took
her away and beat. She claims that one of the attackers demanded that she stop interfering in the work of the local electoral commission. The proxy of Arman Melikyan in electoral district 8/20 of
Malatia-Sebastia community Pargev Mnatsakanyan has informed the police that the chairman of the local electoral commission Hrachya Petrossyan has been beaten by a group of unknown people. The next case concerns the incident that has taken place in electoral district 32/53 of the village of Arevatsag, Lori region: the proxy of Levon Ter-Petrossyan Edmon Gevorgyan was drunk and hindered the work of the local electoral commission. The last case is based on report that the proxy of Serzh Sargsyan Suren Avetissyan
has been beaten by the head of the electoral office of Levon Ter-Petrossyan Harutyun Rustamyan. The incident took place in electoral district 36/34 of the village of Maralik, Shirak
region.


2008-02-19 18:15:00 ODIìR/OSCE monitoring mission continues observing the presidential election

ArmInfo. ODIìR/OSCE monitoring mission continues observing the presidential election, spokesman of ODIHR/OSCE Monitoring Mission Jens- Hagen Eschenbacher told ArmInfo correspondent. He also added that the observers team consisting of 1116 people, dividing to the groups of two is visiting ballot stations all over the republic. He also said that only tomorrow foreign observers may give preliminary assessment of the election course, how much democratic it is. Nevertheless, mass media analyst of ODIHR/OSCE
Ivan Godarskiy said that it is not expedient to say how much the election were in line with the norms of democracy not taking into account the results noticed by the members of the monitoring mission over the entire term of monitoring but nor only at the election day.

For her part, a member of PACE delegation Nathalie Bargellini said that the atmosphere at the ballot stations did not hinder the work of observers, but it was quite tense and nervous as they were
crowded.


2008-02-19 18:08:00 Representatives of Levon Ter-Petrosyan's campaign headquarters: Violence during election has intensified since afternoon

ArmInfo. "When the authorities learned the data of exit-polls held by various organizations, according to which Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the first president of Armenia, is gaining a convincing victory at the election, they resorted to large-scale violence at polling stations since afternoon", Press-secretary of Levon Ter-Petrosyan's campaign headquarters Arman Musinyan said at a press- conference, Tuesday.

According to Nikol Pashinyan, the editor-in-chief of Haykakan Zhamanak daily and member of Ter- Petrosyan's campaign headquarters, the authorities decided to resort to the whole arsenal of violations
when they made sure that Serzh Sargsyan's defeat is inevitable. "Groups of criminal elements accompanied by special task force are going about the city. Nevertheless, the turnout is growing
everywhere", the statement of Ter-Petrosyan's headquarters says. The document stresses that "if the situation goes out of control, the present authorities will be responsible for this".


2008-02-19 18:04:00 Candidate for president Artur Bagdasaryan's headquarters asks Armenian CEC and law-enforcement agencies to assume measures for suppression of violations over the election

ArmInfo. Candidate for president, leader of Orinats Yerkir party Artur Bagdasaryan's headquarters applied to Armenian Central Electoral Commission and law-enforcement agencies to
assume measures for suppression of violations over the presidential election in Armenia.

According to the statement received by Arminfo from Artur Bagdasaryan's headquarters, beginning from 15:00 PM the facts of frightening and beating up of people were fixed at different ballot stations all over the territory of the country as well as mass ballot stuffing and other fraud. At one of the ballot stations located at 28th electoral commission the head of the commission removed one of its members epresenting Orinats Yerkir Anahit Tamaryan from the ballot station threatening her and demanded
from her not to return. Meanwhile ballot stuffing took place at the given ballot station. At ballot station 05 of the 7-th electoral commission its head threatened the Orinats Yerkir party member of the
commission Levon Pogosyan and removed him from the voting room telling him not to come back. Then he did ballot stuffing. The same was taking place at one of the ballot stations located at Gegarkunik region.

People were frightened at the ballot station 13/1 of Erebuni district of Yerevan and ballot stuffing took place. Fight and ballot stuffing took place at the ballot station 13/16 of the same district. At 14:30 PM the ballot station 7/25 was closed and mass ballot stuffing took place. Campaign agents were beaten up at one of the ballot stations of Malatia-Sebastia district of Yerevan and mass ballot stuffing took place. The same took place at several ballot stations of the 17th electoral district, Orinats Yerkir
party electoral
headquarters reports.


2008-02-19 17:52:00 As of 6 pm Armenian courts of general jurisdiction received 62 claims on inaccuracies in voting lists

ArmInfo. As of 6 pm, the Armenian courts of general jurisdiction received 62 claims on inaccuracies in voting lists. Press-secretary of the Armenian Court of Cassation Alina Yengoyan said that the court of general jurisdiction of Lori region received 31 claims (all are satisfied), the court of Syunik region - 1
(rejected), the court of Ararat and Aragatsotn regions - 1 (satisfied), the court of Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun communities of Yerevan - 14 (2 satisfied, 12 rejected), the court of Ajapnyak and Davtashen communities of Yerevan - 1 (rejected), the court of Avan and Nor Nork communities of Yerevan - 6 (satisfied), the court of Kentron and Nork-Marash communities of Yerevan - 3 (1 is being considered, 2 - are satisfied), the court of Erebuni and Nubarashen communities of Yerevan - 5 (4 claims were abandoned, 1
is rejected). No claims on electoral disputes were filed to the administrative court.


2008-02-19 17:52:00 Zardusht Alizade: 'Azerbaijan has in fact lost Nagornyy Karabakh'

ArmInfo. 'One should make extraordinary efforts to return Nagornyy Karabakh', political expert Zardusht Alizade told journalists as Day Az. reports. He also added that Azerbaijan in fact lost Nagornyy Karabakh. 'I see that the people of Azerbaijan and the government are not ready to make big efforts for returning of Nagornyy Karabakh', - Alizade said and added that an ethnic conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia existed before 1988.


2008-02-19 17:47:00 Catholicos of All Armenians: I would like presidential election to pass calmly and peacefully

ArmInfo. "I would like the presidential election to pass calmly and peacefully", Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II said after voting at the polling station opened in the area of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin.

He also noted that he would also like each Armenian citizen to take part in the Feb 19 election with awareness of high responsibility before his/her people, and the presidential election itself to be a new achievement for people. "There are no losers in achievements and victories, here everybody wins and let everybody take part in the election with this awareness. Let the people's life be blessed with progress and love", the Supreme Patriarch said.


2008-02-19 17:33:00 1 354 664 voters or 57,14% out of general number took part at the presidential election in Armenia as of 17:00 PM

ArmInfo. A total of 1 354 664 voters or 57,14% out of general number took part at the presidential election in Armenia as of 17:00 PM, member of Central electoral commission Karen Poladyan said.

He also added that 422 610 people or 55,34% out of the general number of voters voted in Yerevan, 58,6% - at Aragatsotn region, 60,52% - Armavir region, 54,5%- Ararat region, 105 638 - Gegarkunik region, 60,14% - Kotayk region, 57,15% - Lori region, 51,05% - Shirak region, 63,49% - Syunik region, 61,04% - Vayots Dzor region and 60,51% - Tavush region. Thus, the presidential election in Armenia may be recognized come off since more than 50% of voters took part in them.

The next final presentation of the data on voters attending the ballot stations will take place at 21:00 PM and then accounting of votes will start.


2008-02-19 17:32:00 Levon Ter-Petrosyan's election agent removed from polling station

ArmInfo. Levon Ter-Petrosyan's election agent Sofia Kalantaryan has been removed from polling station 30/22.

As the press-service of the campaign headquarters of the Republican Party of Armenia told ArmInfo, Eduard Vahanyan, the chairman of the electoral commission of polling station 30/22 in Vanadzor, said that the commission took a unanimous decision to remove Sofia Kalantaryan from the polling station, as she had been hindering the commission's work since Feb 18.


2008-02-19 17:15:00 Public organization 'Legal initiatives. Election-2008' qualifies situation at one of polling stations in Yerevan as uncontrolled

ArmInfo. The public organization continues fixing violations during the presidential election in Armenia.

A message sent to ArmInfo says that many signals are received from the same polling stations. In particular, the situation at polling station 13/16 in Erebuni community of Yerevan has become uncontrolled - open voting, cases of stuffing of ballot papers have been fixed, moreover, this happens in the presence of MP Zaruhi Postanjyan and numerous observers. The message says that Zaruhi Postanjyan suffered from policemen's actions, this being proved by a video record made by lawyer Liza Grigoryan. At polling station
3/20 voters approach a "PRADO" automobile (with the number 99 SS 888) before voting. Signals are received that at several polling stations the members of the precinct election commissions do not allow the election agents of oppositional candidates to check the voters' passports.


2008-02-19 16:58:00 Presidential election in Armenia meet international standards: European observer

ArmInfo. Presidential election in Armenia meet international standards, on the whole, Thomas Grunert, representative of European Parliament, International Election Observation Mission, told ArmInfo.

He said that insignificant violations have been registered at polling stations such as inaccuracies in electoral registers. However, the European observer believes it early making general assessment of the election. He thinks it necessary carefully analyzing the situation. T. Grunert said the election cannot be called ideal but they are positive and meet international standards. He also added that the mission enjoyed warm reception and faced no obstacles to monitor the election.


2008-02-19 16:53:00 As of 5:00 PM, RA courts of general jurisdiction received 51 applications regarding inaccuracies in voting lists

ArmInfo. As of 5:00 PM, RA courts of general jurisdiction received 51 applications regarding inaccuracies in voting lists. As spokeswoman of RA Court of Cassation Alina Yengoyan, the court of general jurisdiction of Lori received 31 applications (all have been satisfied), that of Syunik region - 1
(rejected), Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun Yerevan communities -10 (7 satisfied, 3 rejected), Achapnyak and Davidashen Yerevan communities - 1 (rejected), Avan and Nor Nork Yerevan communities - 5
(satisfied), Kentron and Nork-Marash Yerevan communities - 1 (under consideration), Erebuni and Nubarashen Yerevan communities - 4 (ceased because of refusal from a suit). No applications were
received by the administrative court.


2008-02-19 16:53:00 Armenian Ombudsman's Office registered about 20 messages about violations over the presidential election

ArmInfo On 19 February, as of 17:00 PM hot line of the Armenian Ombudsman's Office registered about 20 messages about violations over the presidential election.

As press-secretary of Ombudsman Office Grigoriy Grigoryan told ArmInfo correspondent, chiefly all the signals are regarding the fact that voters are taken to the ballot stations by micro-buses. He also added that fast reaction groups of Ombudsman leave for the mentioned addresses to have a look at the details of incidents. They also check information about physical violence over several persons. To note, at the moment only a part of such signals, received by the hot line of Ombudsman, were proved.


2008-02-19 16:52:00 Leader of Democratic Fatherland Petros Makeyan breaks into polling station 34/06

ArmInfo. Leader of Democratic Fatherland party Petros Makeyan together with his supporters broke into the polling stations 34.06 in the town of Gyumri.

Referring to the campaign headquarters of the presidential candidate Serzh Sargsyan, Republican Party of Armenia campaign headquarters told ArmInfo that Petrosyan Makeyan swore and terrorized the election commission.


2008-02-19 16:03:00 Mentally sick persons vote at Erebuni district of Yerevan entering the voting cabins by groups

<> ArmInfo. Candidate for president Levon Ter-Petrosyan's election headquarters continues fixing
violations over the presidential election in Armenia.

According to the information of the headquarters received by ArmInfo, in particular the most crying violations were fixed at Erebuni district of Yerevan. The cases of threatening campaign agents were fixed. Sometimes chairmen of electoral commissions refuse to control violations. Mentally sick persons enter the voting cabins by groups at Vardashen and Nubarashen districts. Fights as well as ballot stuffing cases and illegal closing of ballot stations (for 5 minutes) were fixed at several ballot stations.


2008-02-19 16:01:00 Central Electoral Commission [CEC] of Armenia received the first complaints from ballot stations

ArmInfo. Central Electoral Commission [CEC] of Armenia received the first official complaints from ballot stations. Secretary of CEC Abraham Bakhchagulyan said they received two complaints and one report.

He also added that they received a complaint from 10/35 ballot station that its chairman and his deputies were trying to force making public the voting results. The point is the given ballot station is located at one of prisons where all 25 prisoners voted at 10:00 AM. Chairman of the ballot station told
prisoners that the commission is calculating the data but they can make public the results only at 20:00 PM. The second complaint was received from the electoral district 10/23, where the results of drawing on electing chairman and secretaries of the ballot station are not in line with the results submitted to observers. But CEC members clarified there is no mistake. CEC member Z.Tadevosyan informed CEC that as of 8:00 AM only one drawing for election of a chairman and secretaries was held at ballot stations
4/22 and 4/26. This omission was corrected by Tadevosyan himself.

To note, as of 14:00 PM 36,48% of citizens voted at the presidential election in Armenia. Bakhchagulyan also said that if compared with the parliamentary election in 2007 today's election are more active and there are queue at many ballot stations.


2008-02-19 15:48:00 RA Police publishes first data about violations registered during voting

ArmInfo. RA Police has published the first data about the violations registered during the voting. To note, the Police intends to report such violations once every two hours.

The head of the department on public relations and information of RA Police, Sayat Shirinyan, said at a press-conference that as of 3:00 pm, the Police received a number of statements on violations. In particular, facts of campaign in Levon Ter-Petrosyan's favor were registered at polling stations 10-19 and 10-20 in Yerevan. "It has already been proved that Vardges Sargsyan was campaigning. He was
brought to the police department, materials are currently being prepared", Shirinyan said. According to him, the statement that "forms 9" (temporary documents allowing people to vote if the latters lack passports) were distributed in front of Tashir trade center have not been confirmed. A case of violence against Levon Ter-Petrosyan's election agent Larisa Torosyan was recorded in Kotayk region. At about 9 am Larisa Torosyan made a statement that three unknown young people entered polling station 28/7, told
her to go out, seated her in a "Jeep" and took her to Abovyan's suburb. Then one of the young
men, some Edik Babayan, beat Larisa Torosyan. At the same time, the young man advised the woman "not to intervene into the commission's work". Investigation is underway, medical examination will be carried out. According to another statement, at about 10:30 am, 7-8 young men at the age of about 25-30, approached Yerjanik Abgaryan, Gurgen and Hambardzum Yeghiazaryans near the entrance of polling station 28/6 in Abovyan and told them to leave the polling station. Receiving a negative reply, the young men headed
by some Edo beat Abgaryan and the Yeghiazaryans.

"The police tried to meet them and receive their statement, however, we don't know yet where they are", Shirinyan said. A statement was received from Lori region, according to which the work of the
election commission at polling station 32/53 was hindered, investigation is underway. In Shirak region, a citizen stated about bribery of voters at polling stations 35/28 and 35/29. This statement was not confirmed. A statement was received from the village of Maralik, according to which Suren Avetisyan, an observer from Gyumri, was beaten. He has been hospitalized, forensic medical examination will be carried out, a criminal case has been instituted. An incident with participation of APNM representative Samvel
Gevorgyan took place in the village of Vardazor, Gegharkunik region. A scuffle took place, Shirinyan said. Another incident took place in Malatia-Sebastia community, however, the police are not aware of the details yet.


2008-02-19 15:39:00 As of 3:00 PM, RA courts received 38 applications regarding today's presidential election in Armenia

ArmInfo. As of 3:00 PM February 19, RA courts received 38 applications regarding the presidential election in Armenia.

As spokeswoman of RA Court of Cassation, Alina Yengoyan told ArmInfo, 29 complaints were satisfied (26 - from Lori region and 3 - from Avan and Nor Nork communities). Seven complaints were rejected (6 - from Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun communities and 1 - from Syunik region). Two complaints from Achapnyak and Davidashen, as well as from Kentron and Nork-Marash communities are under consideration.


2008-02-19 15:36:00 Public organization 'Legal initiatives. Election-2008' fixes violations over the presidential election in Armenia

ArmInfo. Public organization 'Legal initiatives. Election-2008' continues fixing signals about violations over the presidential election in Armenia.

According to the information received by ArmInfo the following violations were fixed as of 14:30 PM: voters were taken to the ballot stations 34/24, 34/25 and 34/26 by micro-buses and given electoral bribes in favour Serzh Sarkisyan. A citizen noticed a motor vehicle of "MB" type not far from the ballot station from which electoral bribes were delivered. At 16/44 ballot station of Nizami village of Masis district the head of the electoral commission did not allow Levon Ter-Petrosyan's campaign agent to have
a look at the protocol. In Sevan town of Armenia the list of voters staying in the hospital was replenished by 40 people. One of the voters of 6/29 ballot station complained that a citizen was illegally registered at his apartment and took part in the election. Fighting happened at the ballot station 4/24. "Merry-go-round" technology was fixed at Yerevan school No 100 and a protocol was made. Open voting and ballot stuffing was fixed at 13/11 ballot station of Erebuni dist
rict of Yerevan. Deputy of the National Assembly Arsen Avagyan informed that micro-bus taxi No 57 takes voters to the ballot stations at Abovyan and Pushkin streets. The motor of "legal fast aid" arrived at the place but did not see the micro-bus No 57. Similar micro-buses were noticed near secondary school No 20 after John Kirakosyan.


2008-02-19 15:19:00 Journalist of Haykakan Zhamanak daily beaten

ArmInfo. Lusine Barseghyan, a journalist of Haykakam Zhamanak daily, has been beaten at precinct election commission 13.16 in Erebuni community of Yerevan.

As ArmInfo correspondent was told at the office of the Heritage Party, the incident took place in the presence of Armen Martirosyan, an MP from the Heritage Party. An attempt was made to use force
against Armen Martirosyan, too. According to witnesses, these measures were taken by people close to Prefect of Erebuni community Mher Sedrakyan. At the same time, Anahit Bakhshyan, an MP from the
Heritage Party, told ArmInfo correspondent that at precinct election commissions 07/17 and 07/18 Levon Ter-Petrosyan's election agent was cruelly beaten in her presence.


2008-02-19 14:58:00 As of 14:00 local time 36,48% of voters took part in the presidential election

ArmInfo. As of 14:00 local time 36,48% out of 2 320 328 voters of the country took part in the presidential election of Armenia, Central Electoral Commission of Armenia informs.

Here are the indices of electoral activeness as of 14:00 PM:

1-st district - 22 473 - 36,20%
2-nd district - 22 692 voters
3-rd district - 23 667 voters
4-th district - 20 070 voters
5-th district - 17 030 - 28,77%
6-th district - 20 514 - 37,29%
7-th district - 20 567 - 36,95%
8-th district - 20 691 - 35,34%
9-th district - 16 824 - 31.81%
10-th district - 18 400 - 32,44%
11-th district - 19 500 - 32.28%
12-th district - 25 810 - 42.84%
13-th district - 24 518 - 36,50%
14-th district - 23 922 - 35.34%
15-th district- 13 504 - 36.6%
16-th district - 21 474 - 32,87%
17-th district - 23 087 - 40,62%
18-th district - 27 421 - 39.03%
19-th district - 21 933 - 35.38%
20-th district - 21 129 - 37, 25%
21-st district - 29 326 - 34,01%
22-nd district -18 422 - 33,82%
23-rd district - 26 602 - 42,72%
24-th district- 20 774 - 34,79%
25-th district - 19 911 - 36,16%
26-th district - 22 635 - 40,47%
27-th district - 19 704 - 38,24%
28-th district- 20 552 - 39,55%
29-th district - 20 976 - 34.53%
30-th district - 18 749 - 34.84%
31-st district - 24 261 - 37.66%
32-nd district - 19 636 - 41.26%
33-rd district - 17 436 - 33,31%
34-th district - 17 359 - 29,35%
35-th district - 14 649 - 30,14%
36-th district - 18 951 - 34,11%
37-th district - 25 242 - 40,52%
38-th district - 23 999 - 43,23%
39-th district - 15 861 - 34,67%
40-th district - 23 733 - 46.27%
41-st district - 20 175 - 37.05%

The next information on activeness of voters will be presented at 18:00 PM.


2008-02-19 14:54:00 Campaign agents of presidential candidate Levon Ter-Petrosyan say they were beaten up

ArmInfo. Press Secretary of Levon Ter-Petrosyan's Central Campaign Headquarters Arman Musinyan had a meeting with media at 2:30 pm. The candidate's campaign agents Gurgen Yeghiazaryan and Yerjanik Abgaryan attended the meeting and stated that they were beaten up. They said atmosphere of terror reigns in the town of Abovyan, Kotayk region with regard to the agents of Levon Ter-Petrosyan and electors. Yeghiazaryan and Abgaryan said 'hooligans reign over polling stations ensuring votes for Serzh Sargsyan'.

For his part, A. Musinyan said they registered numerous cases when passports are provided to soldiers to organize their voting at civil polling stations. 'Our agents confiscated false passports in the town
of Talin, Aragatsotn region, and will demonstrate them when necessary. Mass ballot-stuffing is observed in the town of Artashat. Mayor of Chambarak personally controls over open voting in favor of
Serzh Sargsyan. The passport office of the police is turned into market when a great number of villagers have been gathered. They are given the so-called 9th form (temporary document given in case of losing passport) and made to vote at the polling stations 10/05, 10/11, 10/12, 10/13, 10/14, 10/15, 10/16, 10/17> , A. Musinyan said.


2008-02-19 14:18:00 Press-secretary of Levon Ter-Petrosyan's headquarters demonstrated the ballot papers taken away when applying 'merry-go-round' technology

ArmInfo. Press-secretary of Levon Ter-Petrosyan's headquarters Arman Musinyan showed journalists about 10 ballot papers, either empty or with a mark against Serzh Sarkisyan's name.

Musinyan said that these ballot papers were taken away at the ballot station 08/21 of Malatia-Sebastia district of Yerevan where the fact of the "merry-go-round" technology application was fixed. At the same time Serzh Sarkisyan's headquarters informed that at the same ballot station several campaign agents of Levon Ter-Petrosyan beat up chairman of the electoral commission Hrachya Petrosyan.


2008-02-19 14:17:00 Levon Ter-Petrosyan's campaign agent violated law

ArmInfo. Two campaign agents of RA presidential contender, first President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan were at the polling station 5/20 of Arabkir Yerevan community at a time, that is breach of the law, RPA campaign headquarters reports.

An observer Marine Madatyan, having found a violation, notified the law enforcement agencies about it and the latters put one of the campaign agents out. L. Ter-Petrosyan's campaign agent Sarkis Tamazyan threatened other members of the commission at the polling station 69 of Lori region. He said that if someone tries to hinder him to do what he wants, the end will be bad.


2008-02-19 14:15:00 Presidential candidate Artur Baghdasaryan meets EU SR for South Caucasus Peter Semneby

ArmInfo. Leader of Orinats Yerkir party, presidential candidate Artur Baghdasaryan met with EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby.

OY Press Secretary Susanna Abrahamyan told ArmInfo the parties discussed election-related issues.


2008-02-19 14:02:00 Ter-Petrosyan's representatives beat up chairman of electoral commission of 08/21 polling station

Arminfo. Ter-Petrosyan's representatives beat up chairman of electoral commission of 08/21 polling station of Malatia-Sebastia district of Yerevan Hrachya Petrosyan.

As ArmInfo was informed from press-service of electoral headquarters of the RPA, Ter-Petrosyan's supporters are beaten up by their own colleagues. 'The information received from time to time
allegedly candidate for president Serzh Sarkisyan's campaign agents beat up Ter-Petrosyan's supporters is a tactic planned in advance. We specify that Ter-Petrosyan's supporters themselves beat up their agents and present such information at the sites of the information agencies which cooperate with them. The purpose of this phenomenon is to cast a shadow upon the electoral process', - the RPA message says.


2008-02-19 13:52:00 Candidate for president Vazgen Manukyan's campaign agent stopped an attempt of illegal voting

ArmInfo. Candidate for president, the leader of the National-Democratic Union party Vazgen Manukyan's campaign agent has stopped an attempt of illegal voting.

According to the information received by ArmInfo agency from Manukyan's headquarters, Manukyan's campaign agent Samvel Galstyan has fixed an attempt of illegal voting of 10-15 voters at 10/25 polling station located at Culture House of deaf-mutes, as they had certificates in their hands which were not
stamped.


2008-02-19 13:46:00 Armenian Parliamentary Speaker votes for Armenia avoids repeating mistakes

ArmInfo. Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Tigran Torosyan voted at the polling station 10/30.

He told journalists that he voted for further successes in Armenia. 'It is symbolic that elections are on February 19. I think that during the coming 20 years we will live in welfare and love. During the last 20 years the Armenian people fought for independence and we achieved the successes that our predecessors dreamed of for centuries>, the speaker said. As regards the Kosovo independence declaration, T. Torosyan said it may become an additional factor for strengthening the positions of the Nagorny Karabakh
Republic. 'I am sure Nagorny Karabakh will become an independent state>, he said.

As of afternoon, 250 of 1911 voters of the above polling station have already voted.


2008-02-19 13:44:00 A. Lebedev: Presidential election in Armenia are conducted in conformity with the norms of Armenia's election legislation

ArmInfo. President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan received Secretary General of the CIS Executive Secretariat Aleksander Lebedev, Tuesday.

The presidential press-service reports, A. Lebedev said observers have visited polling stations throughout the country, met members of Election Commissions and campaign agents. He stressed that the presidential election are conducted in conformity with the norms of the country's election legislation. For his part, Robert Kocharyan said that the authorities have taken all the necessary measures to ensure normal election. The parties expressed confidence that the election will continue in calm atmosphere without
emergency situations. The parties also touched upon the informal summit of CIS Leaders scheduled for February 22 in Moscow.


2008-02-19 13:28:00 Eleven violations of election legislation registered: opposition parliamentarian

ArmInfo. Parliamentarian representing the Heritage opposition party faction Stepan Safaryan told journalists that 11 violations have already been registered at different polling stations. He stressed that the active voting arouses concern. He stressed that the campaign agent of the candidate Levon Ter-Petrosyan Larisa Tadevosyan found 350 false data in election registers on February 18. 'In response, the bodyguard of Gagik Tsarukyan, Leader of Prosperous Armenia party, parliamentarian, warned her not to interfere
into the work of the polling station. Earlier in the morning on February 19, three unknown entered the polling station and kidnapped L. Tadevosyan. She was viciously beaten up. Afterwards, she applied to the Police at 10:30am. The Police explained that they have no right to interfere without mediation of the election commission. Tadevosyan was sent to medical examination>, he said.


2008-02-19 13:28:00 Whoever wins election in Armenia, Karabakh conflict settlement process not to change

ArmInfo-TURAN. It is difficult to forecast results of presidential elections in Armenia, because all public opinion polls held during election campaign did reflect real situation, Eldar Namazov, head of public forum In The Name of Azerbaijan, told TURAN's correspondent. According to official polls, the main candidates are Premier Serzh Sarkisian, head of Republican party, and parliament ex-speaker Artur Bagdasarian, leader of Orinaz Erkir party, said Namazov. But during the past days positions of ex- President
Levon Ter-Petrosian have become much stronger. Some analysts even forecast the second round of elections. Sarkisian's could have little chance of success in the second round.

As far as influence of election results on the Karabakh conflict settlement is concerned, Namazov said though Ter-Petrosian is regarded in Azerbaijan as a more flexible politician, than Kocharian or Sarkisian, negotiation process will not become easier, if he wins. The reason is compromises needed for achievement of break-through in the Karabakh conflict settlement.

Political scientist Rasim Musabekov said Sarkisian has more chances from viewpoint of administrative and financial resources. The second round is inevitable, if there are no falsifications. Musabekov did
not rule out falsifications to bring out Sarkisian and a weaker rival Bagdasarian, but not Ter-Petrosian, to the second round.

Musabekov claims if Sarkisian is elected, there will be no pause in the Karabakh conflict talks and they will be continued within the framework of Prague process," because he is familiar with the
settlement process. At the same time no progress has been achieved in the talks during 10 years. Ter-Petrosian is regarded as a more positive partner at the talks with Azerbaijan. But even if Ter-Petrosian wins, the forces, which are currently in power, will keep control over parliament and government. Ter-Petrosian will hardly feel free at the talks in dual power, added Musabekov.


2008-02-19 13:26:00 Levon Ter-Petrosyan: I voted for freedom

ArmInfo. 'I have voted for freedom', RA presidential contender, first President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan told journalists today after voting at the election precinct 9.11.

"I have voted for freedom", L. Ter-Petrosyan said. He also said that he has information about numerous violations fixed during the voting. "I am aware of thousands specific facts", L. Ter-Petrosyan said and added that he intends to gain a victory even in the first rounds of the voting.



2008-02-19 13:25:00 International monitoring missions intend to announce preliminary results of monitoring of presidential election in Armenia on February 20

ArmInfo. The international observer missions intend to announce the preliminary results of the monitoring of the presidential election in Armenia on February 20, expert of ODIHR/OSCE monitoring mission Ivan Godarski told ArmInfo.

The international monitoring mission includes missions of the Bureau for Democratic Institutes and Human Rights of OSCE, OSCE PA, PACE and the European Parliament. Vice Chairman of OSCE PA Ann-Marie Lizin, Head of PACE delegation John Prescott, Head of the delegation of the European Parliament Mari-Ann Isler Beguin, as well as Head of ODIHR long-term mission, ambassador H. Arens. The final report of the monitoring mission will expectedly announced two month later after the election.


2008-02-19 13:25:00 Ter-Petrosyan's campaign headquarters claimed of mass violations of election legislation and use of force against presidential contender's campaign agents

ArmInfo. 'By the current data one may claim unambiguously that not presidential election are held in Armenia but an attempt of force seizure of power by the present regime>, spokesman of the Central campaign headquarters of RA presidential contender Levon Ter-Petrosyan Arman Musinyan said at today's press- conference.

He said that there are no election in the towns of Abovyan, Artashat and Erebuni Yerevan community, where mass cases of beating of the campaign agents, their withdrawal from the polling stations and
the cases of violation take place. The situation in Avan Yerevan community is almost the same, Arman Musinyan said. Specific facts of violations, sounded at a press-conference, will be promulgated
later.


2008-02-19 12:25:00 Exit-poll on presidential election in Armenia is conducted also by Populus British Company

ArmInfo. One organization more, in addition to the "Alliance" civil initiative, conducts an exit-poll.

As ArmInfo was told at one of the election precincts, the poll is conducted by the Populus British Company and has been ordered by the Public TV of Armenia. The first data of the poll will be presented at 8:00 PM live by the Public TV of Armenia and they will concern the information received from the voters as of 6:00 PM. The final data will be presented at 10:00 PM. To note, the "Alliance" civil initiative conducts exit- polls directly at the entry of the election precincts. To recall, the USA Embassy in Armenia
and USAID made a decision not to conduct exit-polls during the presidential election in Armenia.


2008-02-19 12:16:00 Civil Initiative 'Alliance' conducts exit polls

ArmInfo. Civil Initiative 'Alliance' conducts exit polls at least 10 meters from polling stations as stipulated by the legislation of Armenia. The organization intends to poll 2,300 voters at 100 polling stations throughout Armenia.

Civil Initiative 'Alliance' has been operating in Armenia for already 3 years. It observed the parliamentary election in Armenia in May 2007. Earlier, US Embassy in Armenia and USAID made decisions not to conduct exit polls during the presidential election in Armenia.


2008-02-19 12:11:00 Campaign headquarters of RA presidential contender Vazgen Manukyan informs of violations during presidential election

ArmInfo. Campaign headquarters of RA presidential contender, leader of the National-Democratic Union Vazgen Manukyan informs of violations during today's presidential. election in Armenia.

According to the information, received by ArmInfo from the campaign headquarters of Vazgen Manukyan, his authorized representative Nona Narinyan noted at the election precinct 3.29 in a period from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM that 50-60 people voted almost simultaneously and by the additional list. The voters were from the towns of Vanadzor, Hrazdan, Kotayk region's Akunk village and other
settlements. At the same precinct, N. Narinyan noted that 20-30 people voted by the additional list and they were mostly from Shirak region. Head of V. Manukyan's campaign headquarters in
Malatia-Sebastia Yerevan community margarita Manukyan said that an attempt was made at the election precinct 8.8. to take the ballot papers out of the precinct, in view of which a scuffle happened
among the head of the election precinct and some authorized representatives. The incident was suppressed after interference of the police. Information was received from Gyumri about distribution of money to the voters before the election precincts. This fact has been fixed by the "Gala" TV Company, V. Manukyan's campaign headquarters report.


2008-02-19 12:09:00 RA FM hopes for presidential election in country to be held successfully

ArmInfo. RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan expressed hope that the presidential election in Armenia will be held 'well', he told journalists today after voting at the election precinct 9/11.

"I hope that these will be good election and a legitimate president will be elected upon their results. An election plan, election campaign, election day and a post-election day exist for me. The people put in two cents worth the election day and we shall open a new page the day after the election, and I hope that everyone will congratulate the winner", RA FM said. Nevertheless, V. Oskanyan refused to tell who he voted for. "I could say who I voted for, but, later, you can blame me for voting openly. I vote
for peace, security and development of Armenia. I am sure that I made a right choice", RA FM said. Asked about the number of the election rounds, V. Oskanyan said that it would be desirable, however, the people will decide. If the second round takes place, we must be ready for that", V. Oskanyan said. As for his earlier-expressed apprehensions regarding possibility of negative post-election processes, V. Oskanyan said that these apprehensions still exist. "I hope that I am
mistaken in this issue. Let us hope that the election will be held normally and we shall congratulate the new president", V. Oskanyan resumed.


2008-02-19 12:09:00 By latest data, RA courts received 9 applications with regard to presidential election

ArmInfo. In a period from 8:00 AM till 12:00 PM of February 19, the courts of Armenia received 9 applications with regard to the presidential election in Armenia.

As spokeswoman of RA Court of Cassation Alina Yengoyan told ArmInfo, 8 complaints were received from Lori region, 5 of which have been satisfied and 3 of them are under consideration. One
complaint was received from Syunik region which is presently under consideration.


2008-02-19 12:07:00 Armenian Foreign Ministry refrains from comments on Kosovo so far

ArmInfo. Foreign Minister of Armenia Vardan Oskanyan refrained from commenting on the situation around Kosovo to journalists.

'We are discussing the situation so far. We will come out with relevant statement shortly', the minister said.

To recall, Kosovo parliament declared independence from Serbia on February 17.


2008-02-19 12:07:00 Serzh Sargsyan: The most important is that the poll gets public trust

ArmInfo. The most important is that the poll gets high public trust, Prime Minister of Armenia, presidential candidate Serzh Sargsyan told journalists after voting at the polling station 9/11.

'I believe it important that the greatest part of the citizens trust in the voting result. It is not important how many rounds of voting will be>, the premier said. Asked if the government dismissal is possible after the election, S. Sargsyan said he sees no preconditions for significant changes in his cabinet. 'The government was formed just 9 months ago. It has achieved good results. I do not think that there are preconditions for any significant changes>, he said. S. Sargsyan also added that many political
forces were involved in government formation. 'It is evident that we used all the forces. We could form the government independently, indeed, but we invited the parties Prosperous Armenia, ARF Dashsnaktsutyun to the executive power and appointed ministers non-party men>, he said. Asked about the possibility of a negative post-election situation in the county, S. Sargysan said he sees no relevant preconditions. He believes there may be fight for implementation of campaign
programs. As regards the statement by one of the presidential candidate to fight to the very end, Serzh Sargysan said it may happen after 8:00 pm when polling-stations will be closed.


2008-02-19 11:50:00 265 533 electors or 11,2% of the total number voted in Armenia as of 11:00 AM

ArmInfo. 265 533 electors or 11,2% of their total number have voted in Armenia as of 11:00 AM, member of the Central Election Commission Hamlet Abraamyan said.

He said that 91 576 citizens or 11,99% of their total number voted in Yerevan, in Aragatsotn region - 8 525 voters or 8,1%, in Armavir region - 21 914 or 11,2%, in Ararat region - 19 797 or 9,6%, Gegharkunik region - 17 373 or 9,8%, Kotayk region - 23 667 or 11,3%, Lori region - 25 449 or 11,2%, Shirak region - 19 430 or 9%, Syunik region - 19 701 or 16,72%, Vayots Dzor - 4 181 9,1 % and Tavush - 14 765 voters, Hamlet Abraamyan said.

The next announcement of data on the voters' activity will be 3 hours later.


2008-02-19 11:45:00 NKR FM: 'Conflicts have some common parameters and significant differences'

ArmInfo. 'Recognition of Kosovo independence by the world community will become another factor strengthening the positions of Karabakh in settlement of the conflict with Azerbaijan', Foreign Minister of NKR Georgy Petrosyan said, ArmInfo correspondent to Stepanakert reports.

'We are not for drawing direct parallels between conflicts. Conflicts have some common parameters but significant differences, particularly, of the source and reason, format and dynamics, public sentiments, peace and security mechanisms. Time showed that Nagorny Karabakh is able to ensure effective government without external help, as well as to wage foreign policy and ensure own security', the
speaker said. He also added that 'the approaches and decisions that proved effective in settlement of a problem can be applied in settling another problem. Rejecting this would be equal to rejecting the nature of precedent and its role in formation of international relations. Anyway, we will not pin all our hopes with settlement of Kosovo conflict', Georgy Petrosyan said.


2008-02-19 11:38:00 First data of 'black boxes' of Belavia jet crashed at Yerevan airport

ArmInfo. The first data of onboard recorders of Belavia SRJ-100LR crashed at

Yerevan airport Zvartnots on February 14 are known. The 'black boxes' have been delivered to Moscow. Preliminary data say that roll instability that started as soon as the jet left the runway led to
the crash with the ground. The crew tried to counteract the roll instability for 6 seconds but failed. There were 18 passengers and 3 crewmembers on board of Belavia Company's airplane SRJ-100LR. The passengers were the citizens of Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Ukraine. There were no victims. The Byelorussian transport procuracy initiatived a criminal case on the given fact.


2008-02-19 11:24:00 Artur Baghdasaryan voted in favour of 'New Armenia'

ArmInfo. Today, RA presidential contender, "Orinats Yerkir" party leader Artur Baghdasaryan voted at the election precinct 10/29 in the Yerevan secondary school N19.

"Naturally, I voted in favour of "New Armenia", where poverty and permissiveness will be abolished", A. Baghdasaryan told journalists after voting.


2008-02-19 11:24:00 Presidential candidate believes there will be no second round of voting

ArmInfo. 'I voted for National Unity party', presidential candidate, Leader of National Unity party Artashes Geghmayan said after voting at the polling station 9/18. .

The candidate believes there will not be second round of voting. He explained that on the last days of the campaign 'all the 8 candidates except Levon Ter-Petrosyan united since they realized the great
danger the country has faced'.

As regards the rally promised by Ter-Petrosyan for February 20 at 3:00 pm in the city center, Geghamyan said: 'I think the presidential candidate, prime minister Serzh Sargsyan will send champagne to the participants of the rally hinting that he will become president for everyone, including the supporters of Ter-Petrosyan'.


2008-02-19 11:21:00 Stepan Demirchyan: There are all prerequisites for Levon Ter-Petrosyan's victory in the first round of presidential election

ArmInfo. 'There are all prerequisites for Levon Ter-Petrosyan's victory in the first round of the presidential election>, Chairman of the oppositional People's party of Armenia Stepan Demirchyan said after voting at the election precinct 10/31 in the secondary school N55 after Chekhov in Yerevan, when asked by ArmInfo correspondent about expectations regarding the presidential election results and the general atmosphere in the republic.

He said that information about violations of the election legislation are already received from different regions of Armenia, however, they are not able to hinder the victory of the main oppositional candidate.

To recall, Stepan Demirchyan was the main rival of the incumbent president Robert Kocharyan at the previous presidential election in 2003. During the present election campaign, PPA actively support
candidacy of the first President of Armenia Levon Ter- Petrosyan.


2008-02-19 11:21:00 Artur Baghdasaryan: New development of situation in Kosovo to positively affect Karabakh conflict settlement process

ArmInfo. New development of the situation in Kosovo will positively affect Karabakh conflict settlement process, "Orinats Yerkir" party leader, RA presidential contender Artur Baghdasaryan told journalists today after voting at the election precinct 10/29 in the Yerevan secondary school N19 after Nikol Aghbalyan.

"Of course, the situation in Kosovo will positively affect the situation on Karabakh conflict settlement", A. Baghdasaryan emphasized. To recall, the parliament of Kosovo declared of its independence from Serbia on February 17.


2008-02-19 11:20:00 RA presidential contender: I vote for free and fair Armenia

ArmInfo. Today, I vote for free and fair Armenia, RA presidential contender, leader of the People's party of Armenia, Head of ALM Holding Tigran Karapetyan told journalists after voting at the election precinct 4/32 in Yerevan. As of 10:30 AM, 140 out of 1859 voters took part in the election at this polling station. Observers from CIS and the public organization "Your Choice" work at this election precinct.


2008-02-19 11:19:00 CIS observers positively assess course of voting at today's presidential election in Armenia

ArmInfo. CIS observers positively assess the course of voting at today's presidential election in Armenia, member of the Federation Council of RF Federal Session, member of CIS monitoring mission Vladimir Rushaylo told journalists.

"I have the very positive impressions from the election so far", V. Rushaylo emphasized. He said that the precincts, they have visited, opened in time - at 8:00 AM. "As of 9:30 AM, we have visited 2 election precincts, where a bit more than 10% of electors vote. Authorized representatives of the candidates, observers from CIS and OSCE are present", Rushaylo said and added that they talked to OSCE representatives at one of the election precincts. "There were no remarks from them as of 9:30 AM, they only noted
they the election have been well organized", V. Rushaylo emphasized.


2008-02-19 11:18:00 RA DM: I voted for further development of our country and security of our people

ArmInfo. I voted for the further development of our country and security of our people, RA Defense Minister Mikael Harutyunyan said after having voted at the election precinct 5/28.

"I am sure that today's voting will be held very well. I wish for everyone to vote today as every man should put in two cents worth", he said. RA DM expressed confidence that everything will pass normal today. "I have always been in a good mood. Today, it is even high", M. Harutyunyan said.


2008-02-19 11:17:00 CEC Chairman receives OSCE CIO and EU SR for South Caucasus

ArmInfo. OSCE Chairman-in-Office Special Representative, Envoy Heikki Talvitie told Chairman of the Armenian CEC Garegin Azaryan Monday that the key goal of his mission to Yerevan is to help the OSCE/ODIHR to observe the presidential election in Armenia. EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby attended the meeting as well.

CEC Press Secretary Tatev Ohanyan told ArmInfo that P. Semneby said at the meeting that election have a great importance for a country striving for democracy. It is an important factor in the development of Armenia-EU relations. For his part, Garegin Azaryan said that the preparations have been actually completed. All the polling stations have received the necessary ballot-papers. He also added that CEC wed- site has already reported on the number of ballot-papers distributed to the polling stations. He also
explained the order of summing up the results of the voting by election commissions. The guests expressed hope for the free, fair and transparent election in Armenia meeting democratic standards.


2008-02-19 11:17:00 Vazgen Manukyan voted for new future of Armenia

ArmInfo. Transparency and fairness of the election depend on the will of dozens of citizens, RA presidential contender, Head of the Nationla-Democratic Union party Vazgen Manukyan told journalists today after having voting at the election precinct 9/22 in the building of the Union of Writers of Armenia in Yerevan.

"I believe in my people and I am sure that we shall win. I elect the future of Armenia", he said and emphasized importance of these election by a circumstance that a new volume in the chronicle of a
free country opens, the first page of which should determine the republic's fortune. To the remark of journalists, saying that the voters are carried to the election precincts by route taxi, V. Manukyan replied that there is nothing illegal in it if the prefecture organizers transportation of the aged voters without dictation who vote for.

Chairman of the election precinct 9/22, where Vazgen Manukyan voted, Henrikh Martirosyan, said that 1347 voters have a franchise at this polling station and 101 people took part in the voting as of 10:30
AM. As Martirosyan said, no violations or any excesses have been fixed.


2008-02-19 11:15:00 Robert Kocharyan: No one probably doubts who I have voted for

ArmInfo. No one probably doubts who I have voted for. I have given my vote for stability and prosperity of Armenia, RA President Robert Kocharyan said at the election precinct 9/11 after fulfillment of his civil duty.

RA president expressed confidence that these election will contribute to speeding of democracy in the republic and the country will be able to record a serious progress. "I am in an excellent mood and I am sure that everything will be all right", Robert Kocharyan said. Asked how many rounds will be held, in his opinion, the president said that he cannot predict. "However, I would like for everything to be finished by one round", the president said. Asked what events may be expected in the country tomorrow, R.
Kocharyan said that he intends to go to the work as usual. Asked what he intends to do
after divesting himself of authority, RA president said that this is the greatest mystery in Armenia and advised to repeat this question after April 9.


2008-02-19 11:15:00 Artur Baghdasaryan intends to gain victory in election

ArmInfo. Presidential candidate, Leader of Orinats Yerkir party Artur Baghdasaryan expects that he will gain victory in the election. The candidate made such statement to journalists after voting at the polling station 10/29 at Yerevan School N019.

'We are fighting against falsifications and will make relevant statements later', he said. The candidate stressed that 'illegitimate presidents will subject Armenia to condemnation.' Artur Baghdasaryan mentioned that journalists can apply to the OY office for operative information on falsifications since the party Hot Line has already received information on insignificant violations as of 10:00am.


2008-02-19 11:13:00 'Orinats Yerkir' claims of violations during today's presidential election

ArmInfo. "Orinats Yerkir" party informs of violations during today's presidential election. To recall, "Orinats Yerkir" party takes an independent part in the election, having nominated its candidate - leader Artur Baghdasaryan. As "OY" party spokeswoman Susanna Abraamyan told journalists, she has already got a signal from member of the election commission of the election precinct in the school N179 in Malatia-Sebastia Yerevan community Lusine Vartanyan saying that chaos reigns at the election precinct and uncontrolled
situation has been developed which hinders normal work of the district election commission. S. Abraamyan also said that, according to journalists' signals, buses arrive to the election precinct 3.23 in Kanaker- Zeytun community, the passengers of which distribute bulletins, filled in beforehand.


2008-02-19 11:11:00 P. Semneby: Election-2008 distinguished by high competition

ArmInfo. Foreign Minister of Armenia Vardan Oskanyan and European Union Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby discussed presidential campaign in Armenia, Monday.

Foreign Ministry press-service reports that the sides emphasized that the election-2008 are distinguished by high competition. In this connection, it is especially important to conduct them in conformity with international standards. The sides stressed that development of democratic processes in Armenia will boost the cooperation with EU.

P. Semneby also informed the minister of his meetings in Moscow and Tbilisi before arrival in Armenia. The source reports that V. Oskanyan and P. Semneby exchanged opinions on developments around
Kosovo. P. Semneby said that EU Foreign Ministers will meet in Brussels Monday to discuss Kosovo independence.


2008-02-19 11:09:00 RA presidential contender, ARF Dashnaktsutyun party's Bureau member Vahan Hovhannisyan: 'I am not fortuneteller and do not forecast, voters will decide everything'

ArmInfo. 'I have voted and hope to win upon the results of the today's presidential election', RA presidential contender, ARF Dashnaktsutyun party's Bureau member, vice speaker of the Armenian Parliament Vahan Hovhannisyan told journalists today after having voted at the election precinct in the secondary school after A. Griboyedov at 10:07 AM.

As V. Hovhannisyan said, he calmly treats the humoristic election travesties to his address, which are published on the pages of different local Mass Media on the threshold of the election. V. Hovhannisyan refused to make any forecasts upon the election results and said that "he is not a fortuneteller and does not forecast". V. Hovhannisyan added that he would like for the people to say in a couple of days that today's election were really fair for the first time, including those, whose candidate was not elected.
And if ARFD party notes falsifications, they will be fixed and the facts, as well as the materials on them will be submitted to the court, V. Hovhannisyan said.

Talking of probability of the second round, V. Hovhannisyan expressed confidence that it will be held, and if it happens and RA Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan and the first President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan pass to the 2nd round, he will urge his voters to support his candidacy and not theirs.


2008-02-19 11:08:00 RA president: Both voting day and post-voting days are of utterly importance

ArmInfo. Six international organizations, including OSCE and the Council of Europe, monitor the course of the presidential election in Armenia. The issues of holding the presidential election and the whole election process were discussed by RA President Robert Kocharyan and representatives of the diplomatic corps from the countries of OSCE and Europe, accredited in Armenia.

As the presidential press-service told ArmInfo, RA president emphasized that the election process entered the final stage and marked the authorities' decisiveness to hold the election in accordance with all the international standards. RA president said that a huge work, meeting the Election Code provisions, has been done. "Today, all the governmental structures and election commissions are ready for the election", R.. Kocharyan said. Talking of the election campaign, R. Kocharyan marked that it turned out very
active: a great number of events have been held. In general, the law enforcement agencies coped with the mission they were entrusted with and assured security during these events. All the presidential contenders were provided with equal conditions for representation of their programmes by TV channels. RA president considers both the voting day and the post-voting days of utterly importance. He expressed confidence that the they will be calm and incident-free. Robert Ko
charyan highly appreciated cooperation of Armenia with international observers.


2008-02-19 11:06:00 Special Envoy of OSCE Chairman-in-Office to coordinate activity of OSCE mission in Armenia within next few days

ArmInfo. Special Envoy of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Heike Talvitie will coordinate the activity of OSCE mission in Armenia within the next few days, H. Talvitie said during the meeting with RA President Robert Kocharyan. As the Armenian presidential press-service told ArmInfo, during the
meeting, the parties exchanged opinions on the current election processes and the election situation in Armenia, in general. Robert Kocharyan emphasized that everything has been done to hold the presidential election in the country at a proper level.

To recall, presidential election are held in Armenia today with participation of nine candidates for the top state post.


2008-02-19 11:03:00 Presidential election are held in Armenia

ArmInfo. Presidential election are held in Armenia - the 5th ones in the history of the Third Republic.

To recall, in 1991 and 1996, Levon Ter-Petrosyan was elected President of Armenia. In 1998, he sent in resignation and special election were held, in which Robert Kocharyan gained a victory. In 2003, the latter reserved the presidential post. In 1998 and 2003, the presidential, election were held in 2 rounds.

Today, 1923 polling stations were opened at 8:00 AM in the territory of Armenia. The voters will vote for one of the presidential contenders, participating in the election, till 8:00 PM.

The presidential contenders are as follows: Prime Minister, Chairman of the Republican party of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, Head of the National-Democratic Union Vazgen Manukyan, Parliament vice peaker, ARF Dashnaktsutyun party's Bureau member Vahan Hovhannisyan, ex-speaker of RA Parliament, "Orinats Yerkir" party leader Artur Baghdasaryan, ex-President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan, "National Unity" party leader Artashes Geghamyan, Chairman of the People's party of Armenia Tigran Karapetyan, "National Accord"
party leader Aram Harutyunyan and ex-adviser of the NKR president Arman Melikyan.

About 15,00 observers from 39 local and 6 international organizations will monitor the election.
According to the official data of the Police, 2 328 320 voters may participate in the election. In line with the Armenian legislation, the preliminary results of the election will be announced on February
20, no later than at 8:00 PM and the final results - seven days later.








Economy

2008-02-19 12:33:00 Share of IT in GDP of Armenia rather high, Minister of Trade and Economic Development says

ArmInfo. The share of IT in GDP of Armenia is above 2%, which is rather a high indicator that must be preserved, Minister of Trade and Economic Development Nerses Yeritsyan told ArmInfo.

He said such share of IT is characteristic to the countries with developed economy. , he said. Representatives of these foreign IT companies in Armenia provide the same services here as in more developed countries. Moreover, they create IT and high-tech education centers, implement serious educational programs, introduce the models that once led them to success and glory. Among these
companies is Cisco Systems Inc., world leader in network technologies.

At the same time, the minister said IT development concept will be submitted to the Government's approval within the next month. The concept mainly stresses the mass Internet access. 'This means that IT penetration and relevant education will increase, which will lead to a considerable growth of foreign investments in economy by leading IT companies', Yeritsyan said. At the same time the minister said that the approval of the concept will prove useless without combined efforts of state and private sectors. Moreover,
the concept will allow creating new highly paid jobs, and attracting also foreign specialists. 'In this case, we must display tolerance since the salary of foreign specialists must be higher. It is due to their experience that we will get new knowledge in the sphere', he said.


2008-02-13 15:32:00 Agreement on transfer of Armenian Railway CJSC to concession of Russian Railways OJSC signed

ArmInfo. Minister of Transport and Communication of Armenia Andranik Manukyan and President of Russian Railways OJSC Vladimir Yakunin signed the agreement of transfer of the Armenian Railway state CJSC to concession of South-Caucasian Railway CJSC belonging to the Russian Railways OJSC Wednesday.

Minister Transport and Communication of Armenia Andranik Manukyan said relevant working group had worked on the agreement for 6 months. The signing of the agreement initiated the rehabilitation of the
Armenian railway that is in rather poor state. CJSC Armenian Railroad is transferred to concession for 30 years with a 20-year renewable period.

The investment plan says the Russian Railways pledge to invest in development of the infrastructure $570 million within 30 years, including $230 million within the first 5 years in the modernization
of the railroad, repair and acquisition of equipment, on the whole. In addition, the investor will come out as a guarantor of the investments. The concessionaire is to make a $5 million initial contribution. Annual payments to the state budget will total 2% of incomes (except proceeds from passenger ransportation). The minister said some procedural issues connected with transfer of property still need solution. The concessionaire will launch its activity in the second half of 2008.

For his part, Vladimir Yakunin said at a press conference that the Board of Director of South-Caucasian Railway CJSC will meet shortly to draw a detailed investment business-plan for every year and
management system. He mentioned that the concessionaire plans to acquire 3-4 electric locomotives to boost suburban transportation. He also added that the infrastructure development will allow increasing
the cargo traffic through Kavkaz-Poti port. V. Yakunin said the concessionaire is well aware of the great responsibility for fulfillment of the agreement and guarantees investments. Moreover, it pledges to keep the existing 4,300 jobs at the company within the first 3 years.

Government of Armenia approved the draft agreement on February 7 2008. Rusisan Raiwlays OJSC was declared the winner of the tender for concession of the Armenian Railway on January 16 2008.


Finance and banks

2008-02-20 10:14:00 Exchange rate of dram against US dollar and EUR

ArmInfo Today, the maximum buying rates at commercial banks of Yerevan were 309,5 drams for 1 dollar, 455 drams for 1 EUR and 12,37 drams for 1 Russian ruble. The minimum selling rates stood at 311,5 drams for 1 dollar, 458 drams for 1 EUR and 12,6 drams for 1 Russian ruble.