The day news

2008-03-13 19:58:00 Robert Kocharyan not to hold position of prime minister after resignation

ArmInfo. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan will not hold the post of the Armenian prime minister after he resigns as president, Armenian Prime Minister, newly-elected President Serzh Sargsyan said in his TV interview, replying to RA citizens' questions.

"Robert Kocharyan and I are so honest that if such a scenario had been possible, we would have told this before the election the way Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev did", Sargsyan said.







Politics

2008-03-13 22:38:00 Serzh Sargsyan: I will never resign from the post of president

<>ArmInfo. I will never resign from the post of the president of Armenia, the newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said during a TV interview today when asked when he was going to resign.


2008-03-13 22:33:00 Serzh Sargsyan qualified rumors that he promised the post of head of Meghri customs office to NU Leader Geghamyan's son as nonsense

ArmInfo. Newly-elected Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan qualified the rumors that he had promised the post of the head of Meghri customs office to Leader of the National Unity Party Artashes Geghamyan's son as nonsense.

In the March 13 TV interview he said: "I don't know whether Geghamyan has a son whose profession correspondents to such a post. I only know that his children are well-educated and there are no obstacles for their work at the state position. But why the Meghri customs office is mentioned? I don't think that the prime minister should render support in this matter. This is a nonsense".


2008-03-13 22:30:00 Serzh Sargsyan promises to root out crime in Armenia

ArmInfo. Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyna has promised to root out crime in Armenia.

During a TV interview today he said that he had specific program for combating criminals. "We will root out crime in Armenia," Sargsyan said.


2008-03-13 22:29:00 Serzh Sargsyan refutes rumors that he has a share in all big businesses in Armenia

ArmInfo. Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan has refuted the rumors that he has a share in all big businesses in Armenia.

During a TV interview today he said that if the person that had asked the question could give specific names he would give specific answer.


2008-03-13 22:12:00 A political program on coalition government of Armenia to be presented within next 10 days

ArmInfo. The creation of the coalition government is only the beginning of the work, Armenian Prime Minister, newly-elected President Serzh Sargsyan said in a TV interview, replying to RA citizens' questions.

"I am sure that the government to be formed after April 9 will be able to do serious changes and accelerate the development of the country", Sargsyan said. He added that "really ambitions tasks are
set". He said that ARF Dashnaksutyun will take part in the structure of the coalition government. "We'll most likely present our political program to public within the next 10 days", he said and specified
that only the political program, not the structure of the coalition government yet. He added that he also met Leader of the National-Democratic Union Vazgen Manukyan.


2008-03-13 22:11:00 Serzh Sargsyan: We have brilliant generals

ArmInfo. Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan does not think that there are too many generals in Armenia.

During a TV interview today he said: "We have much fewer generals than our neighbors, Russia, NATO have. I don't mean their knowledge." Sargsyan refused to discuss the rumors that some generals did not deserve their rank. "I would like to assure you that we have brilliant generals. We must see good thing in people. I don't mean that we must ignore the bad but we must try to see the good too,"
Sargsyan said.


2008-03-13 22:10:00 Newly elected President of Armenia does not think that the staff policy of the past years was shameful

ArmInfo. Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan does not think that the staff policy carried out in the past decade was shameful.

During a TV interview today he said that in some cases the authorities were forced to appoint one or another official but nobody can say if we would have been in better or worse situation without those appointments. In any case, Sargsyan promises not to appoint people who have bad reputation among the people.


2008-03-13 22:09:00 Newly-elected president of Armenia confirmed information that 8 people died during March 1 mass disorders

ArmInfo. In the March 13 TV interview, newly-elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan confirmed the information that 8 people died during the March 1 mass disorders. According to him, one of the victims was an officer, the others were civilians, over 200 policemen and 50 civilians were wounded. "I don't want to go into detail, as the Prosecutor-General's Office constantly gives information on this", he said. Sargsyan also stressed that it is impossible to keep the victims in secret. He recalled the beginning
of 2000 when the Defense Ministry reported the number of victims in the army during the whole year long, there were people who doubted the reliability of the information. However, after long
checking they came to a conclusion that the Defense Ministry can't give false information. "Do the people wondering if the number of victims was really 8 do this from interest or consider this number to be small? Even one victim would be too much", he said.


2008-03-13 22:08:00 Serzh Sargsyan is sure that people's confidence in mass media will be restored

ArmInfo. Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan is sure that people's confidence in the mass media and their reports will be restored.

During a TV interview today he said that he was concerned that people trusted the information in the internet more than the information broadcast on TV by channels like H1 and H2. The mass media have lost people's confidence and they will hardly regain it by high words.


2008-03-13 22:02:00 New President of Armenia promises to fight bribery and corruption in judiciary system

<>ArmInfo. Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan promises to fight bribery and corruption in the judiciary system of the country.

During a TV interview today he said: "We must take necessary measures, toughen the laws and remove all loopholes. Without active support of people, we will not be able to effectively fight corruption. Because one person gives bribe and the other takes it." "I promise everybody that we will support all people wishing to expose bribe-takers," Sargsyan said.


2008-03-13 21:59:00 Serzh Sargsyan: The state must create workplaces with quite high income

ArmInfo. The state must create workplaces with quite high income and make credits available for citizens, Armenian Prime Minister, newly-elected President Serzh Sargsyan said in a TV interview, replying to the question whether these objects belong to the elite connected with the country's authorities.

According to him, this is the path of growth of the population's welfare. 5 large banks entered the Armenian market in 2007, this means that credits will fall in price in the future. "If we manage to
stabilize the situation in the country in 2008 and not to frighten away investors, one should expect certain changes".


2008-03-13 21:53:00 Serzh Sargsyan: My opinion does not always coincide with the opinion of President Kocharyan

ArmInfo. My opinion does not always coincide with the opinion of President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, Prime Minister newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said during a TV interview today.

"I have never seen comrades thinking absolutely alike. I have always had my own opinion wherever I worked. And Kocharyan has never tried to impose his opinion on me," Sargsyan said noting that on many problems Kocharyan and he had similar positions.


2008-03-13 21:52:00 Serzh Sargsyan: We intend to amend legislation and establish certain guarantees for parliamentary minority

ArmInfo. The parliamentary faction of the oppositional Heritage party has an excellent opportunity to speak about the shortcomings and problems in the country, Armenian Prime Minister, newly-elected President Serzh Sargsyan said in a TV interview, Friday, replying to RA citizens' questions. "We are going to introduce amendments to the legislation and establish guarantees for the parliamentary minority", he stressed. According to him, the platform of the parliament is quite a good place for solving such problems
as the fight against corruption and establishment of justice.


2008-03-13 21:44:00 Serzh Sargsyan thinks that U.S. President George Bush has not congratulated him because of post-election situation in Armenia

ArmInfo. Serzh Sargsyan thinks that U.S. President George Bush has not congratulated him on victory at the presidential election in Armenia because of the post-election situation in Armenia. Armenian Prime Minister, newly-elected President Serzh Sargsyan expressed his opinion in a TV interview, Thursday, replying to RA citizens' questions. He noted that the election itself couldn't be the reason, as the US Department of State made a statement that it joins the European observers' assessment saying that the election
was held in compliance with international standards. At the same time, Sargsyan recalled that George Bush congratulated him on appointment to the post of the Armenian prime minister, and this looked strange to many people, as the first person of a state do not customarily congratulate the second person. "I want to note that congratulation is a display of attitude. Maybe I am wrong, but this is my opinion", Sargsyan said.


2008-03-13 21:43:00 Serzh Sargsyan is sure that confidence in people's mass media will be frestored

ArmInfo. Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan is sure that people's confidence in the mas media and their reports will be restored.

During a TV interview today he said that he was concerned that people trusted the information in the internet more than the infomation broadcast on TV by channels like H1 and H2. The mass media have lost people's confidence and they will hardlky regain it by high words.


2008-03-13 21:42:00 Serzh Sargsyan: Opposition electorate can take active part in coming local elections

ArmInfo. The opposition electorate is not only the 350,000 people having voted for Levon Ter-Petrossyan, Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said during a TV interview today.

Many people gave their votes to the leader of Orinats Yerkir Artur Bagdassaryan and other opposition nominees. In all developed democratic countries president is elected by much less than 60%, 70%
or 80% of votes.

The people who have voted for opposition leaders are not debarred from participation in political processes. Simply, unlike the authorities, they think that the only way to form government is election. I think they are right. So, the opposition electorate is welcome to take an active part in the coming local elections.


2008-03-13 21:42:00 Serzh Sargsyan: Armenian authorities did their best to avoid March 1 disorders

ArmInfo. The Armenian authorities did their best to avoid the March 1 disorders, Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said during a TV interview today.

The police suggested that the protesters move from the area near the embassy of France to Matenadaran and continue their rally there but Levon Ter-Petrossyan urged them to stay near the embassy. The rioters overturned trolley-buses and buses and built barricades. They ignored the urges of the police to stop illegal actions and applied violence against them. There is a video showing how dozens of people attacked one policeman. What should the police do under such conditions? Leave the scene?


2008-03-13 21:39:00 Serzh Sargsyan: We have never used army for political purposes

ArmInfo. We have never used army for political purposes, Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said during a TV interview today.

It is not right to use the army for political purpose. Our army has always acted in line with the Constitution and the law and will act in the same day in the future. As regards the present situation, the
state of emergency is being effected by the army.


2008-03-13 21:39:00 Serzh Sargsyan: Changes are expected in government's structure

ArmInfo. Changes are expected to occur in the structure of the Armenian government, only the ministers who gave a good account of themselves will keep their posts, Armenian Prime Minister, newly-elected President Serzh Sargsyan said in a TV interview, replying to RA citizens' questions.

According to him, over the past 10 months the government has worked actively and registered 13,7% economic growth in 2007. It managed to almost double the budget and solve the social problems. "I have said for many times that changes will occur in the government, but if a minister has been working only for 10 months and copes with his/her work, there is no sense changing him/her", Sargsyan said.


2008-03-13 21:17:00 Serzh Sargsyan: Communication with people via internet is the best format in the present situation

ArmInfo. Today, the internet is a strong mechanism for shaping the public opinion. That's why I have chosen this format of communication, Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said during a TV interview today.

This format allows people to ask all kinds of questions and to remain unknown. This is the best format in the present situation.


2008-03-13 21:17:00 Serzh Sargsyan: I don't know exactly whose shops were robbed and destroyed during Mar 1 events

ArmInfo. I don't know exactly whose shops were robbed and destroyed during the Mar 1 disorders in Yerevan, Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said during a TV interview today when asked if the shops belonged to oligarchs related to the authorities.

Sargsyan does not know if the rioters robbed shops randomly and only specific ones. "If the person asking this question knows who organized those actions I advice him to provide this information to the prosecutor's office," Sargsyan said.


2008-03-13 21:16:00 Serzh Sargsyan: There was no order to disperse the oppositionists rallying at Liberty Square

ArmInfo. There was no order to disperse the oppositionists rallying at Liberty Square in Yerevan, Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said during a TV interview today.

The results of the investigation will be made public. "I am sure that the police went to the square just to check up if the demonstrators had arms but not for dispersing them. If the police are sent somewhere for dispersing people they plan their actions and foresee the consequences. The fact that lots of policemen were wounded during the clashes proves that they were not prepared for dispersal. Had they been sent there for dispersal they would have had special equipment," Sargsayn said. "Why did the demonstrators
keep arms if they didn't plan clashes. Had they actually had peaceful intentions only they would have let the policemen to search them and would not have started the clashes."


2008-03-13 20:58:00 Serzh Sargsyan calls some political forces' speculation on Oct 27, 1999 tragedy inadmissible

ArmInfo. Serzh Sargsyan called some political forces' speculation on the October 27, 1999 tragedy inadmissible.

During the March 13 TV interview he noted that in fact, this tragedy was made use of masterfully . "Those who did it knew against whom it was directed and how it hurt me. But they forgot that we are used to squeezing teeth of pain and go forward. The accusations that I come from Karabakh have always been strange to me, but the speculation on the Oct 27 tragedy hurt me even more. That day I lost my comrade-in-arms, a man who stood beside me in hour of need and due to whose will and strength we were able to do
a lot of serious things. Now this tragedy is being speculated on by people who themselves were extremely happy on October 27. There are many such people and the main speculator is among them", Sargsyan said.


2008-03-13 20:58:00 Serzh Sargsyan: If Ter-Petrosyan considers me a bandit, what dialogue is spoken about?

ArmInfo. "I have never been against any dialogue, however, everybody knows that a dialogue is recipient-oriented", Armenian Prime Minister, Leader of the Republican Party of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said in a TV interview, Thursday, replying to RA citizens' questions.

Asked whether a dialogue between Serzh Sargsyan and Levon Ter-Petrosyan is possible, the prime minister answered: "If Levon Ter-Petrosyan continues stating that he is a president elected by 65% of votes, fails to accept the decision of the Constitutional Court and considers me a bandit and a Mongol-Tatar, what dialogue do you mean?".


2008-03-13 20:56:00 Serzh Sargsyan regrets that General Manvel Grigoryan tried to go into politics and to disobey supreme commander

ArmInfo. I regret that for some reasons General Manvel Grigoryan tried to go into the politics and to disobey the Supreme Commander, Prime Minister, newly appointed President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said during a TV interview today.

"General Manvel Grigoryan is my comrade-in-arms. I have never tried to involve Grigoryan into the politics. I regret that for some reasons he tried to do it himself and disobeyed the supreme commander. I think that we must examine the circumstances of this case and solve this problem," Sargsyan said.


2008-03-13 20:56:00 Serzh Sargsyan does not think that his entourage casts a shadow on him

ArmInfo. Prime Minister, newly elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan does not think that his entourage casts a shadow on him.

During a TV interview today he said that it was a widely spread opinion among the people but the person who asked that question did not know even 5% of the people surrounding Sargsyan. Before forming opinion about a person's entourage one should get to know at least half of them.


2008-03-13 20:53:00 Serzh Sargsyan: Levon Ter-Petrosyan called and said that he had never slept so calmly as March 1 night

ArmInfo. "I am in harmony with my conscience, but my conscience is not calm as the situation in the country is tense", Armenian Prime Minister, newly-elected President Serzh Sargsyan said in a TV interview, replying to RA citizens' questions.

Today numerous people oppose each other regardless of their will. "But I want to say that there are people in our country, whose conscience is calm in this situation. For instance, on March 1 Levon Ter-Petrosyan called people and said that he had never slept so calmly", Sargsyan said.


2008-03-13 20:00:00 Serzh Sargsyan refutes rumors about his love for games of chance

ArmInfo. Prime Minister, newly-elected President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan has refuted the rumors about his love for games of chance.

During his TV interview today he was asked if he actually loved gambling. He said: "No, I am not a gambler."

To remind, today Sargsyan answered 80 questions by citizens of Armenia. A total of 3,000 questions had been received.


2008-03-13 19:57:00 Armenian Government amends law on security of people enjoying special state protection

ArmInfo. The Government of Armenia has approved amendments to the law on the security of people enjoying special state protection.

The amendments regulate legal relations between the national security agencies and people enjoying state protection: former president, state officials, public, political and religious figures.


2008-03-13 19:56:00 Armenian prosecutor general receives a delegation headed by CoE Commissioner for Human Rights

ArmInfo. Armenian Prosecutor General of Armenia Aghvan Hovsepyan received a delegation headed by Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg, Thursday.

Press-secretary of the prosecutor general Sona Truzyan told ArmInfo that the meeting covered the post- election situation in the country, as well as the current state of human rights protection in connection with the state of emergency imposed. Hovsepyan noted that the state of emergency implies introduction of additional bases for detention and arrest. He recalled that to investigate the March 1 mass disorders in Yerevan, an investigative office under the Special investigation service has been set up. The group
consists of 50 investigators. The Office is examining not only cases concerning rioters but also reports of illegal actions by policemen. However, the Office has not received written complaints about such actions.

Hovsepyan said that 210 policemen and 55 demonstrators were injured during the Mar 1 events. 8 of injured demonstrators gave wrong addresses and names and now the police are searching for them. The police respect the rights of the detained people. They have been instructed not to delay preliminary investigations and to shortly send some of the cases to courts so the public can learn the details.


2008-03-13 18:19:00 Armenian foreign minister comes out for a dialogue between authorities and opposition

ArmInfo. Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian comes out for a dialogue between the authorities and the opposition.

At the March 13 press-conference, Oskanian noted that there was a comfortable moment to establish a dialogue but unfortunately, this moment was lost. According to the minister, if this moment had been
used correctly, it would have been possible to avoid the March 1 events, and the situation would have been not only normal but good for Armenia. "We should live together in this country, we face common
problems. Therefore the dialogue should always be on the agenda, and much depends on Levon Ter-Petrosyan. I hope that the dialogue will be established, and we'll manage to take relevant steps to move forward", Oskanian said.


2008-03-13 17:55:00 Armenian foreign ministry hopes that cease-fire regime will be violated no more

ArmInfo. "The cease-fire violation meets the interests of none of the parties, and I hope this will repeat no more", Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said at a press-conference, Thursday, commenting upon the recent incident on the contact line of Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijani armed forces.

"This was Azerbaijan's provocation, and we suppressed it", Oskanian said. At the same time, he recalled that Azerbaijan continues rumoring and making statements on alleged continuation of cease-fire violation by Armenia and "Azerbaijan's victims". The minister noted that the Armenian party regularly comes out with denial of such misinformation. Oskanian also supposed that in fact, "the new
victims" on the contact line are those killed as a result of the Azeri provocation March 3 night. According to him, at the moment, the contact line remains tense, but no shots have been registered.


2008-03-13 17:52:00 Armenian FM says that Azerbaijan's resolution at UN is untimely and inappropriate

ArmInfo. Azerbaijan has chosen wrong time and place for discussion of Nagorno-Karabakh problem, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan said during a press-conference today while commenting on Azerbaijan's initiative to discuss the problem of Nagorno-Karabakh at the UN.

Presently, this problem is negotiated under the aegis of the OSCE and this format has not exhausted itself. Azerbaijan's initiative was a kind of self-deception as decisions of UN General Assembly are not
compulsory. Azerbaijan is not going to recall its resolution and the UN SC will vote on it. Armenia will attentively follow the voting to see the choice of the countries whose position on Nagorno-Karabakh is
objective and important for Yerevan.


2008-03-13 17:05:00 Armenian FM: Azerbaijan's statements about

ArmInfo. Foriegn Minister of Armenia Vardan Oskanyan says that Azerbaijan's statements about "the presence of Kurdish bases in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh" are provocation.

During a press-conference today Oskanyan said that the Foreign Ministry of Armenia attentively follows such statements. Even more, it contacts the people referred to in them and the latter are surprised that their names are used for such purpose. Such misinformation is spread with a view to influence the opinion of the international community and to strengthern the Azeri-Turkish alliance. Oskanyan points out that Azerbaijan appeared with such statements following the start of Turkey's anti-Kurdish campaign in
Iraq.


2008-03-13 15:11:00 Armenian FM: The new president of Armenia is ready to meet his Azerbaijani counterpart within the frames of NATO Summit

ArmInfo. The newly elected president of Armenia, prime minister of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan is ready to meet with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev within the frames of upcoming NATO Summit in Bucharest, Foreign Minister of Armenia Vardan Oskanyan said at a press conference, Thursday.

The minister said he will meet OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen in Vienna on March 14. It will be a separate meeting. Vardan Oskanyan has no information on the date and the place of the co-chairs' meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. Minister Oskanyan said the continuation of the negotiation process and the meetings of the two countries' presidents will be discussed in Vienna. Vardan Oskanyan said the Armenian party sees the first opportunity for such meeting on April 3-4 in Bucharest within
the frames of NATO Summit. The Armenian party is ready for it. The matter depends on the Azerbaijani party. Serzh Sargsyan will head the delegation of Armenia to the Summit, Vardan Oskanyan said.

It is noteworthy that if Serzh Sargsyan and Ilham Aliyev meet in Bucharest it will be before the official inauguration of S. Sargsyan.

The minister reiterated that Armenia's stand was left unchanged, i.e. the Armenian party considers the document on the basic principles of settlement at the negotiating table admissible. 'Serzh Sargsyan is
ready to continue the negotiations on the basis of that document', Vardan Oskanyan said.


2008-03-13 15:10:00 Armenian foreign minister thinks the present visit of Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights to Armenia is very important

ArmInfo. Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan thinks the present visit of Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg to Armenia is very important in the context of getting fully-fledged impression about the situation in the country and its assessment, he said at today's press-conference.

Oskanyan also added that yesterday he met the Commissioner which met representatives of the authorities as well as the opposition over his visit. He also visited the arrested people and those which had been wounded over the 1 March events in Yerevan.


2008-03-13 15:09:00 Serzh Sarkisyan to answer questions of citizens of the republic over TV interview on 13 March

ArmInfo. Armenian Prime Minister, newly elected president Serzh Sarkisyan will answer questions of citizens of the republic over TV interview on 13 March.

As ArmInfo was told from press-service of the government, they received about 3,000 questions chiefly regarding domestic political situation in the country, foreign policy, social and economic spheres, corruption fight, making answerable everybody involved in the 1 March events, etc. Sarkisyan will answer to the most important questions on 13 March evening. Answers to all the rest questions will be located at several Internet sites over a week.


2008-03-13 14:49:00 EU Presidency Statement on the Situation in Armenia

ArmInfo. The Presidency of the EU is concerned about the situation in Armenia, and calls on the Armenian authorities to lift the State of Emergency. The Presidency is particularly concerned about reports of continuing arrests.

The Presidency welcomes the positive decision of the Armenian authorities to lift two provisions of the declaration of the State of Emergency on the activities of political parties and NGOs, and the announcement that the lifting of the restrictions on the media is being considered.

The Presidency calls again upon the Armenian authorities to release citizens detained in connection with their political activities and to refrain from further arrests of opposition leaders.

The Presidency reiterates its recommendation to conduct an independent investigation of the events of 1 March and what led to them. It welcomes the statement of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia on the events of 1 March and calls upon the Armenian authorities to respond.

The Presidency calls on both the Armenian authorities and opposition leaders to take all necessary steps to reduce tensions, and to refrain from any action that could exacerbate the current situation.

The Presidency reiterates its call to all political parties to engage faithfully in political dialogue based on mutual understanding and trust, which is the only way to arrive at a political solution to the present situation.


2008-03-13 14:36:00 Israeli and British students refused to arrive in Armenia because of the state of emergency.

ArmInfo. Israeli and British students refused to arrive in Armenia because of the state of emergency.

As representative of Armenian Education Ministry Artak Agbalyan told ArmInfo correspondent, the students had to visit Armenia in the middle of March within the frames of the joint programme "Work and skills" with the British Council. But because of disorders in Yerevan happened on 1 March and introduction of the state of emergency parents of these students said they are scared to let their children visit Yerevan. The programme has been fulfilled since 2007. Over that period of time British, Israeli and Armenian
students had an opportunity of visiting each other twice.


2008-03-13 14:29:00 Armenian Justice Minister and CE Commissioner for Human Rights meet

ArmInfo. Armenian Justice Minister Gevorg Danielyan met with CE Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg who is in Armenia to get first hand view of the situation after the State of Emergency Declaration in the country and to favour an effective protection of fundamental human rights.

Press Secretary of Armenian Justice Minister Lana Mshetsyan told ArmInfo that Commissioner Hammarberg stated that international law provides for imposition of the State of Emergency and asked for legal grounds for State of Emergency declaration in Yerevan. He was satisfied with the explanations and comments he was provided with and stressed the necessity of softening some provisions of the State of Emergency Declaration. The provision restricting the media became a topic for discussion. Thomas Hammarberg was
sure that to prevent the groundless rumors in the country it is necessary to soften the restrictions since the law-abiding media will avoid disseminating misinformation. In this connection, the Commissioner was informed that some media had regularly disseminating provocations that made the authorities resort to temporary restrictions. At the same time, he was informed that the restrictions apply to a definite cycle, however some media try to make the issue more acute and
refrain from publishing at all. Thomas Hammarberg also took an interest in the inquiry of the facts that became a reason for imposing the State of Emergency. In this connection, Minister Gevorg Danielyan stressed that the issue is within the competence of the Prosecutor General and the inquiry is transparent and studies all the versions. For conclusion, CE Commission expressed desire to visit he arrestees and
his request was satisfied.


2008-03-13 14:28:00 Editors-in-Chief of some Armenian Mass Media: Censure of authorities-undesirable Mass Media carried out in Armenia

ArmInfo. Editors-in-Chief of some Armenian Mass Media spread a statement.

According to the statement, received by ArmInfo today, the day after announcement of a state of emergency in Yerevan, on March 2, employees of RA National Security Service visited newspaper editorial offices and presented and unsigned and unsealed note, by which they warned that if the newspaper publications contain an information diverging from the official one, the newspaper activity of will be ceased. The same day, NSS employees thoroughly studied the newspaper materials, sent to printing-offices, and banned
printing by an oral order.

Taking into account the fact that a so-called official information is one-sided, does not reflect the general picture of the events and is uninterruptedly spread by several TV channels, some newspapers
just refused of publications, while others forcedly stand idle. "All this gives us grounds to claim that RA authorities banned the activity of the Mass Media undesirable for them. Moreover, the terms of the state of emergency, which ban publication of unofficial information, did not cover "their" Mass Media. The Internet-pages were also blocked in order to make the information terror complete. IN addition, the programmes of the CNN and Euronews TV channels, telling about the events in Armenia, are interrupted,
while broadcasting of the Radio Liberty has been completely stopped. We claim that all this not only promotes reduction of tension in the society, but also deepens the atmosphere of hatred and enmity.

The overwhelming majority of the Mass Media, spreading a so-called official information, especially the news analysts of these Media, only contribute, by their aggression, to excitement of unhealthy moods and deepen mistrust with respect to the state. Our constitutional rights for delivery and receipt of information, as well as the generally-accepted principles of the freedom of speech and press have been violated under the developed situation, the Mass Media bear material losses, censure is carried out in Armenia,
and our country turned out to be in a full information blockade", the statement reads.

Editors-in-Chief of "Aravot", "Zhamanak Yerevan", "Lragir" newspapers, deputy Editor-in-Chief of "Haykakan Zhamanak", "Hayk", "168 Hours", "Trace", "The Fourth Power" newspapers, as well as
management of the "Internews" Company, Head of the Yerevan press-club and others signed under the statement.


2008-03-13 14:24:00 RA MP, put on the wanted list, detained

ArmInfo. Yesterday, employees of the National Security Service under Armenia's government, detained RA parliamentarian Sasun Mikaelyan, having been put on the wanted list.

As spokeswoman of RA Prosecutor General Sona Truzyan told ArmInfo, S. Mikaelyan was brought o investigation the same day, where he was brought a charge based on part 3, Article 225 (organization of mass disorders, accompanied by murders) and on part 1, Article 300 (usurpation of the state power with violation of RA Constitution) of Armenia's Criminal Code.

According to the message, Sasun Mikaelyan expressed desire to use the services of an attorney, and his examination will be carried out with participation of the attorney he invites.


2008-03-12 22:17:00 Editors-in-Chief of some Armenian Mass Media: Censure of authorities-undesirable Mass Media carried out in Armenia

ArmInfo. Editors-in-Chief of some Armenian Mass Media spread a statement.

According to the statement, received by ArmInfo today, the day after announcement of a state of emergency in Yerevan, on March 2, employees of RA National Security Service visited newspaper editorial offices and presented and unsigned and unsealed note, by which they warned that if the newspaper publications contain an information diverging from the official one, the newspaper activity of will be ceased. The same day, NSS employees thoroughly studied the newspaper materials, sent to printing-offices, and banned
printing by an oral order.

Taking into account the fact that a so-called official information is one-sided, does not reflect the general picture of the events and is uninterruptedly spread by several TV channels, some newspapers
just refused of publications, while others forcedly stand idle. "All this gives us grounds to claim that RA authorities banned the activity of the Mass Media undesirable for them. Moreover, the terms of the state of emergency, which ban publication of unofficial information, did not cover "their" Mass Media. The Internet-pages were also blocked in order to make the information terror complete. IN addition, the programmes of the CNN and Euronews TV channels, telling about the events in Armenia, are interrupted,
while broadcasting of the Radio Liberty has been completely stopped. We claim that all this not only promotes reduction of tension in the society, but also deepens the atmosphere of hatred and enmity.

The overwhelming majority of the Mass Media, spreading a so-called official information, especially the news analysts of these Media, only contribute, by their aggression, to excitement of unhealthy
moods and deepen mistrust with respect to the state. Our constitutional rights for delivery and receipt of information, as well as the generally-accepted principles of the freedom of speech and press have been violated under the developed situation, the Mass Media bear material losses, censure is carried out in Armenia, and our country turned out to be in a full information blockade", the statement reads.

Editors-in-Chief of "Aravot", "Zhamanak Yerevan", "Lragir" newspapers, deputy Editor-in-Chief of "Haykakan Zhamanak", "Hayk", "168 Hours", "Trace", "The Fourth Power" newspapers, as well as
management of the "Internews" Company, Head of the Yerevan press-club and others signed under the statement.








Economy

2008-03-13 17:04:00 ArmRusgasprom CJSC to hold additional issue of shares in Armenia's favor

ArmInfo. The Armenian government has instructed the Armenian energy minister to submit a proposal to increase the authorized capital of ArmRusgasprom CJSC by means of an additional issue of shares in Armenia's favor for the approval of the company's administrative bodies, the March 13 governmental press-release says.

The City Hall of Yerevan is instructed to submit a proposal on payment of the additional issue not by money but property for the consideration of the Armenian government and the company. Heat supply
objects and the territories for their service are offered as property, the statement says.

To recall, ArmRusgasprom CJSC was established in December 1997 and it is the exclusive importer of natural gas to Armenia. Its shareholders are Gazprom OJSC, the Armenian Energy Ministry and Itera company.


2008-03-12 14:47:00 Investments in retail network of STAR Company in 2008 to total $23 million

ArmInfo. Capital investments in development of the network of supermarkets STAR will total $23 million as against $11.8 million in 2007 and $7.1 million in 2006. STAR Financial Officer Gurgen Narimanyan told ArmInfo $12.2 million of the investments will be spent to build a logistic center unprecedented by size and technical criteria. Another $3.3 million will be invested in opening of new supermarkets and repair of the operating ones and about $4 million in technological equipment of the supermarkets etc.

He said STAR will make a definite part of the investments from own funds. The remaining part will ensured either by attraction of a long-term credit or additional issue of shares and their placing with
public. 'This year we plan to attract new shareholders. Negotiations are currently in process for raising the capital stock due to investments by EBRD and the key shareholder of STAR, Mr. Henrik Zakharyants. The negotiations will be over till the end of March. Afterwards it will become known if the company will issue shares or attract a long-term credit', G. Narimanyan said.

At the same time, he said that at present STAR is negotiating with some international institutional investors for cooperation. G. Narimanyan stressed that STAR will focus on business development
within the coming 3-4 years and not on distribution of dividends to shareholders since it is at the stage of extensive growth and new achievements in the local retail market. He said STAR plans to considerably increase the gross margin and improve the profitability index. G. Narimanyan said that the average monthly growth of the company's turnover depends on the season. Thus, for instance, seasonality factor in January (the ratio of the sales for the given month and the sales for the year) for big supermarkets
STAR (over 2,000 sq m) is 69%, for small supermarkets (200-400 sq m) - 78%. In
December the indicators were 198% and 181%, respectively.

STAR Financial Officer said the company intends to open 8 new supermarkets till the end of the year to bring their total number to 16 (15 in Yerevan and 1 in the town of Hrazdan). As regards the distribution center, by preliminary forecasts of G. Narimanyan, it will be put into operation in September-October 2008. 'The given distribution center will meet all the requirements of modern logistics', he said. The company acquired 8 ha of land in the southwestern district of Yerevan to build the center that will
occupy 16,7 thousand sq m inclusive of the office building. At the moment, the logistic center is projected and a foreign company known in the sphere of logistic project management will control over the construction of the center.

He said that the company is coordinating its internal resources to raise the performance standard. 'Earlier our fellows worked in one sphere only. Now they work in several spheres at once due to
participation in some training courses. For instance, the same employee can work as a cashier for 2 hours and a salesperson for 3 hours daily>, G. Narimanyan said. He also added that STAR employs over 1,050 people and plans to raise this figure to 1900 till the end of the year.

G. Narimanyan said that another example of STAR's effective activity is the deepening of partnership with big suppliers. 'Thus, the number of small suppliers of STAR will be reduced. Thus, instead of
dealing with 100 small suppliers, the company will cooperate with 20 big ones, which is rather popular in developed business', he explained. He also added that at present the company has 420 active suppliers instead of last year's 500.

Regarding the equipment of STAR network of supermarkets, G. Narimanyn said the company regularly announces tenders to select the equipment supplier. 'In this issue, the company observes the up-to-date safety and ecology standards. STAR buys mostly the refrigerating equipment made in Germany and Italy', G. Narimanyan said.


2008-03-12 14:46:00 STAR clients saved 135 mln drams thanks to discount cards

ArmInfo. Clients of STAR net of supermarkets have saved 135 mln drams thanks to discount cards, finance director of STAR Gurgen Narimanyan told ArmInfo correspondent.

He also added that at present 12500 discount cards were given to STAR clients and according to the preliminary prediction their number will grow up to 25000 till the end of the current year. He also said that 16500 customers visit STAR supermarkets every day.

At present there are 9 STAR supermarkets in Yerevan, 2 of which are located in the centre of Yerevan and the rest in bedroom communities. STAR supermarkets net will be replenished by 7 new supermarkets till the end of the current year and will reach 16. They are also going to open STAR supermarket in Razdan.








Finance and banks

2008-03-14 11:33:00 Exchange rate of dram against US dollar and EUR

ArmInfo Today, the maximum buying rates at commercial banks of Yerevan were 308 drams for 1 dollar, 480drams for 1 EUR and 12,8 drams for 1 Russian ruble. The minimum selling rates stood at 309,5 drams for 1 dollar, 482 drams for 1 EUR and 13,1 drams for 1 Russian ruble.


2008-03-11 20:20:00 Analyses of RA Central Bank disclose 'real cost' of autocredits

ArmInfo. The interests rates in Armenia's autocrediting market, announced by commercial banks, much yield to the actual level, the results of the country's autocrediting market analysis, carried out by the Central Bank on March 4-6, 2008, based on the data of the commercial banks' sites and booklets, as well as on the information available to the clients both in head offices and in some bank branches, testify. This analysis is purposed to provide the clients with a "real cost" of autocredits.

As RA CB press service told ArmInfo, the analyses were carried out on 14 out of 22 acting banks. The results have shown that the banks charge not only the interest rates but also commissions and other
fees (for opening and service of the account, study of the credit request, credit service, evaluation of the car). Moreover, majority of the banks demand from the clients to insure the car being acquired and evaluate it in the insurance company. "Taking into account the expenses for these additional services, the credit cost turns out to be higher than the bank- announced planks. In fact, the announced interest rate on autocredits in one bank may be lower than another bank's rate while, taking into account the
charged fees, the real picture may differ", the message reads. The analysis took into account the terms of autocrediting of the Russian production cars and foreign-made cars. Moreover, the analysis was carried out inclusive the credit at the rate of 3 mln AMD, the credit repayment term of no less than three years and prepayment to 30%.

According to the analysis data, the lowest bank-announced annual interest rate on new cars of Russian production has been fixed at 13% ("Converse Bank") and 14% - on the used foreign- made cars ("HSBC Bank Armenia"). Along with it, the highest interest rate on new Russian cars made up 19% (Armenian Development Bank) and 20% - on the used foreign-made cars (VTB Bank Armenia). However, with account of commissions and other fees, the actual interest rates on autocredits is much higher. Thus, according to RA CB's
analyses data, the real annual interest rate on new Russian cars and used foreign-made cars, inclusive the insurance costs, varies within 16,97 - 29,87% , and 14,08 - 22,79 5 - not included the insurance costs.

According to ArmInfo data, the maximum autocredit repayment term in Armenia does not exceed today 7 years, and the minimum prepayment - 15% of the car's cost. As of January 1, 2008, 15 out
of 22 acting commercial banks are engaged in autocrediting.