Month: October 2006

DUTCH GOVERNMENT ENVISAGES TO PROVIDE 500 THOUSAND-EURO SUBSIDY FOR EXPANSION OF METRIS COMPANY’S ACTIVITIES IN ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. The Dutch government envisages
to provide a 500 thousand-euro subsidy to the Dutch medical and
pharmaceutical equipement manufacturing company Metris for expansion of
its activities in Armenia and staff training for this purpose. Levon
Baghdasarian, technical manager of the company, said this during
the October 25 press conference. According to him, such an agreement
was reached between the Dutch government and Metris so that the cost
of transportation and installation of the equipment (which will be
provided at its cost price to Armenia) will be subsidized by the Dutch
government. At the same time, it was noted that so far no Armenian
pharmaceutical company has made an offer to purchase this equipment
whose lowest price is 20 thousand USD. L. Baghdasarian said that in the
last two years, Metris’ equipment-related programming has been done
by Metris IT Solutions company that operates in Armenia and employs
4 programmers. It was noted that the program on expansion of Metris’
activities in Armenia had a problem with finding specialists (with
the initial minimal salary of 500 dollars), and an attemp was made to
solve this problems by making respective statements and cooperation
offers in higher educational institutions. As a result, it was decided
to launch a program on staff preparation at Metris from January 1,
2007. Over the last two years, Metris IT Solutions has prepared five
developments, which have been used in the equipment produced at the
request of Glexo-Smith-Klein company. In the words of L. Baghdasarian,
Metris’ equipment software serves the purpose of creation of "main
signal recognition, registration and analysis" automated systems used
in pre-clinical studies on drug effects. There are few institutions
engaged in this field that solve software programs ensuring high
precision. It was noted that in India the payment for such work is
three times as much as in Armenia. Metris has been operating on the
US and European markets for about 10 years. The company has branches
in Armenia, Japan, Russia, Hong Kong, with the total staff of 50. It
cooperates with such companies as Phillips Medical Systems, TNO
(Netherlands), Siemens (Germany), National Instruments (US). Among
the company’s customers are GM, Roche and others.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CATHOLICOS KAREKIN II EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO SWEDISH AUTHORITIES FOR SUPPORTING ARMENIAN COMMUNITY

Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. On October 25, Catholicos of All
Armenians Karekin II received newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Armenia, Hans Gunnar Aden, and Consul
of Honor of Sweden to RA, Edit Khachatrian, in the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin. As Noyan Tapan was informed from the Information Services
of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, greeting the visit of the
Ambassador of Sweden to Etchmiadzin, His Holiness expressed happiness
on the occasion of deepening of diplomatic relations between the two
countries. During the meeting His Holiness the Patriarch touched upon
the Armenian community in Sweden and organization of its spiritual
life, expressed gratitude for support provided to the newly formed
community by the authorities. The newly appointed Ambassador in his
turn expressed gratitude for reception and expressed the hope that
the diplomatic relations between the two countries will contribute
to development of Armenian-Swedish relations in various spheres. At
the end of the meeting the Catholicos of All Armenians wished the
Ambassador success in his mission.

MEMORIAL TO ROMANIAN PRISONERS OF WAR WHO DIED IN ARMENIA UNVEILED IN YEREVAN

Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. A memorial to Romanian prisoners
of war who were taken prisoners in the 1941-45 World War and died in
Armenia was unveiled on October 25, in the Kanaker-Zeytun community
of Yerevan. The memorial construction was financed by the Romanian
government. As Christian Scarlar, representative of Association of
Romanian Soldiers Memory, said at the solemn unveiling ceremony,
Romanian Army Day is marked on October 25 and it is symbolic that
the memorial is unveiled on the very day. In his words, the memorial
symbolizes Armenian-Romanian centuries-old friendly contacts. Romanian
Deputy Ambassador to Armenia, Gabriel Grecu, said that 140 thousand
Romanian soldiers were taken prisoners during the Second World
War. They were moved to various countries. The prisoners of war
who moved to Armenia lived in camps and took part in construction
activities. In his words, according to not precise data, 175 thousand
Romanian prisoners of war were buried in Armenia, but only 90 prisoners
of war were mentioned in documents. Historian Ara Demirkhanian also
emphasized that 943 of prisoners of war brought to Armenia after the
Second World War were buried here.
From: Baghdasarian

TURKISH WOMEN MPS SEND LETTER TO DUTCH MP

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

ANKARA – Women parliamentarians from ruling Justice & Development
Party (AKP) sent a letter to Dutch MP Tineke Huizinga Heringa, who
submitted a resolution to the Dutch House of Representatives asking
for imprisonment and fine for those who deny the allegations about
the so-called Armenian genocide.

AKP MPs Zeynep Karahan Uslu, Nuket Hotar Goksel, Semiha Oyus, Fatma
Sahin, Ayhan Zeynep Boru, Gulseren Topuz, Halide Incekara, Remziye
Oztoprak also sent a book by Turkish History Society Chairman Prof.

Dr. Yusuf Hallacoglu named "Facts on the Relocation of Armenians".

In their letter, Turkish women parliamentarians said, "no genocide
was carried out during our history," and recalled that Turkey has
opened its archives to all historians and researchers.

Turkish MPs stated that this resolution will serve the intentions of
the Armenian diaspora to harm Turkey’s EU membership bid, noting that
this was a campaign based on defamation, slander and lies.

"We hope that you will withdraw this resolution," they added.

-JOINT STATEMENT OF MPS-

On the other hand, the same parliamentarians released a joint statement
in which they reacted to the French parliamentarians who will debate
a similar resolution tomorrow.

The joint statement said that these are wrong and one-sided
allegations, and pointed out that this issue should be debated by
historians.

Noting that Turkish nation has never committed a crime against humanity
like genocide, the joint statement said, "we condemn France for its
unjust and unfounded initiatives aiming to hurt Turkish people deeply."

CONTROVERSIAL LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE ON PROPERTY ALIENATION FOR PUBLIC AND STATE NEEDS AGAIN DISCUSSED IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. The RA National Assembly on October
25 started discussing in first reading the controversial legislative
package on property alienation for public and state needs, which was
submitted by the government as an urgent one. Its adoption proceeds
from the requirements of the RA Constitutional Court’s decision
of April 18, 2006. The discussion of the package will continue on
October 26. According to the main speaker, the RA Justice Minister
Davit Harutyunian, on the whole the draft has the ideology of the
draft rejected in second reading by the parliament on September
27. The only amendment is related to transitional provisions, with
3 out of their 5 points being removed. The co-speaker, Chairman of
the NA Standing Committee on State and Legal issues Rafik Petrosian
said that the committee gave a positive recommendation on adoption
of the package in first reading – on condition that the government
will discuss and take into consideration the proposals made before
the second reading. In his opinion, delays in the adoption of the
law cause damage both to the state and owners of the property being
alienated and to be alienated. At the same time, R. Petrosian noted
that after the extended parliamentary hearings on this legislative
initiative on October 11, "hundreds of seriuos, literate from the legal
point of view proposals" have been received from the participants
of the hearing, opposition MPs, the RA Ombudsman, and several NGOs
defending the right of property. They are mainly related to 3 problems:
clarification of the formulation of superior interest, prevention of
property alienation for public and state needs to the advantage of an
organization, and reconsidering the order of evaluation of property to
be alienated. R. Petrosian urged the government representative to take
these problems into account. In his words, otherwise the indicated
provisions of the law may be disputed in the Constitutional Court,
whereas he has no intention to appear as a defendant and blush instead
of the government.

TURKISH – FRENCH ECONOMIC RELATIONS

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

ANKARA – Turkey’s share in France’s overall exports was only 1.3
percent last year, said economy bureaucrats a day before the French
parliament debates a resolution that makes denial of the so-called
Armenian genocide allegations a crime.

According to economy bureaucrats, France had 5.2 percent share in
Turkey’s overall exports.

Turkey imported French products worth 5.8 billion USD last year,
while it earned 3.7 billion USD from its exports.

524 French companies are working in automotive, food, insurance,
banking, retail and fuel oil industries in Turkey.

French insurance firm "Groupama" bought 41 percent of Turkish "Basak
Emeklilik" (private retirement) last May.

On the other hand, Renault has a big automotive factory in Turkey.

Automobiles produced in Turkey are exported to European and
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.

Turkish Ekonomi Bankasi (TEB) Mali Yatirimlar Corp. (Financial
Investments) signed a partnership agreement with BNP Paribas on
February 10, 2005. Thus, BNP Paribas had a share in TEB Yatirim
(investment), TEB Leasing, TEB Factoring, TEB Sigorta (insurance),
TEB Portfoy Yonetimi (portfolio management) and TEB NV.

-RETAIL INDUSTRY-

Meanwhile, French retail firm Carrefour cooperated with Sabanci
Holding in 1996, and has 470 markets in Turkey. CarrefourSA employs
7,500 people in Turkey.

Lafarge is another French company functioning in cement industry in
Turkey. It had a 350 million Euro turnover, and employed 1,500 people
in Turkey in 2005.

French Danone firm has investments in dairy products and potable
water industries in Turkey.

Elf and Total (oil companies), Sodexho Pass (catering), Citroen
and Peugeot (automotive), L’oreal (cosmetics) are the other French
companies investing in Turkey.

IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE TO BE PUT INTO OPERATION IN LATE 2006, RA ENERGY MINISTER ASSURES

Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. The Iran-Armenia gas pipeline will
be put into operation this year, the RA Minister of Energy Armen
Movsisian stated in the parliament on October 25. According to him,
the gas pipeline’s construction was to be completed in March 2007,
but by mutual consent with the Iranian side it was decided to finish
the construction work this year. Responding to reporters’ questions,
the RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian denied the rumors about
transferring the Irna-Armenia gas pipeline to Russia. "We are not
speaking about sale," he noted. In his words, Armenia may make an
investment in the authorized capital, or do so jointly with Russia. He
said that ArmRusgazprom is already operating in the country, it would
be logical to create two gas distribution networks simultaneously. "If
we succeed in putting the pipe under pressure and receiving gas,
discussions will be more precise," A. Margarian noted. He assured
that the Iranian side is also informed about any negotiation on the
gas pipeline with the Russian side.

MADISON MUSIC PROJECT — SARA YERVAND
Kristian Knutsen

Isthmus Daily Page, WI
Oct 25 2006

Today’s highlighted Madison musician is Sara Yervand.

An increasingly visible and esteemed presence in jazz circles around
Madison and beyond, Sara Yervand is regularly described by listeners
as an accomplished jazz vocalist. She performs regularly at both club
gigs and jazz festivals throughout the year, including the Isthmus
Jazz Festival and Jazz at Five.

Yervand’s biographical self-description provide more details about
her music and its sources:

Sara Yervand (former Erzinkian) was born in Armenia, and began to
sing jazz, pop and Armenian folk music at the age of 15. She made
many stage performances in Armenia, European countries, including
Paris (live appearance on a TV show Sacree Soiree), Vienna (where
she lived for 3 years), Montreal, Zagreb (Yugoslavia) and others. Her
recordings with National Pop-Symphonic Orchestra of TV and Radio of
Armenia under direction of conductor and composer Yervand Yerznkyan
are outstanding. Sara Yervand and her son David moved to U.S. 10 years
ago where they started a life anew. She has a Masters in Musicology
and recently earned a MBA degree at Cardinal Stritch University. She
lives, works and sings jazz professionally in Madison, WI. She teaches
music and sings at Jazz Festivals and regional events.

The singer released Introducing Sara Yervand in 2005, a ten-track album
that featured the accompaniment of some of the city’s most seasoned
instrumentalists. The album was reviewed by Isthmus music writer Tom
Laskin, who wrote, "Yervand’s voice offer most of the excitement and
the surprises here in winning, often very playful performances that
at times seem drawn from an intimate club gig."

Another review from All About Jazz also favorably appraises the album.

Some of Yervand’s recordings are available for listening online.

Three are featured on her MySpace page: "It’s all right with…," "Love
for Sale," and "Lush Life." There’s much more information — including
music, photos and a list of past gigs — available at sarayervand.com.

There are many chances to listen to Yervand sing live over the
next couple of months. She performs regularly on Thursday evenings
at Fyfe’s Corner Bistro on East Washington Avenue; upcoming dates
include Oct. 26, Nov. 2, and Nov. 9. Guitarist Sly Raymond performed
with Yervand at Fyfe’s back in July, and gave high marks both for
the vocalist and the venue:

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of sharing their modest stage with
the superb local singer Sara Yervand. This girl knows her stuff,
and exudes the confidence of a real pro. I’ve played with so-called
Jazz Vocalists before, and there has usually been a major adjustment
on my part; but performing in a duo with Sara was as comfortable
as the duo gigs I’ve played with saxophonist Jason Goldsmith. Her
interpretation is like that of an instrumentalist. I look forward to
our next gig together.

Yervand is also making two appearances this weekend at the Olive
Lounge in the downtown Hilton by Monona Terrace. On Friday, Oct. 27,
she will be performing with Doug Brown, while on Saturday, Oct. 28
Yervand is appearing with Paul Hastil. There is no cover either
night. Yervand’s appearances through the end of the year will take
her to Cocoliquot and The Bar at the Concourse, after which summer
festival season will already be approaching.

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NEGATIVE BALANCE OF MIGRATION IN ARMENIA DURING 9 MONTHS OF 2006 GROWS 10% COMPARED WITH SAME PERIOD OF TIME OF PREVIOUS YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. The negative balance of migration
in Armenia during the 9 months of 2006 made 37.3 thousand people
what is 3.4 thousand people or 10% more of the index of the same
period of time of the previous year. During the current year positive
balance of migration was fixed in June, July and September, making,
correspondingly, 7682, 6457 and 639 people. As the Noyan Tapan
correspondent was informed by Gagik Yeganian, the Chief of the
Migration Agency of the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration,
the negative balance of migration has reduced year by year since 2002,
and positive balance was fixed in 2004-2005. G.Yeganian also informed
that volumes of passengers’ flow grow year by year. The total volume
of passengers’ flow made 1396.6 thousand people in January-September
of the current year what made 145.5 thousand or 11.6% more compared
with the same period of time of the previous year.

ARMENIA, MAYBE, NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN 2007 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF WRESTLING TO BE HELD IN BAKU

Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. Trainers of the juvenile, youth
and national teams of free-style wrestling presented reports on
October 24 at the RA Sports State Committee. Armenian wretslers’
competitions-performances were given satisfatory estimations:
representatives of Armenia won 4 medals of different colours at
the Europe and world championships. Speech of Yuri Alexanian, the
Chairman of the Sports Journalists’ Federation of Armenia, the Press
Secretary of the Sports State Committee, caused active discussion. It
was mentioned during the discussion that purposeful works are not
done in marzes, arsenal of juvenile and young wrestlers’ technical
means is poor and that’s why they are poor in tactical issues. In
the consequence of all these, the national team is completed with
badward wrestlers. There are serious ommissions in the organization
issues as well. The Republican Wrestling Federation does not inform in
time departments of marzes about changes of competition regulations,
refereeing issues of programs, etc. Mikayel Ispirian, the Deputy
Chairman of the Sport State Committee summed up results of the
consultation. He attached importance to the issue of participation
in the 2008 Olympic Games to be held in Berjing. It was mentioned
that the 2007 world championship will be held in Baku, in which,
in most probability, Armenia will not be able to participate.