Month: March 2007

VIKTOR CHERNOMYRDIN: "A WONDERFUL PERSON, TALENTED ORGANIZER AND REAL LEADER PASSES AWAY"

Noyan Tapan
Mar 30 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN. Telegrams of condolence are still
received from different parts of the world on the occasion of RA
Prime Minister Andranik Margarian’s death:

"Let me present deep condolences on behalf of the government of Japan
on the occasion of sudden death of Prime Minister of the Republic of
Armenia Andranik Margarian. I pray for rest of his soul," is said in
Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe’s telegram.

Wen Jiabao, the Chairman of the State Council of China mentioned
in the telegram sent on behalf of the government of China and
personally himself: "I got to know with deep sorrow about the
premature death of Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik Margarian: I
deeply grieve. Mr. A. Margarian had friendly feelings towards China
for a long time and made active efforts for stimulation of bilateral
cooperation between Armenia and China in all spheres. He had a useful
contribution in the affair of development of the Armenian-Chinese
relations, frienship and mutual cooperation."

"I got the news of prominent politician and statesman of the Republic
of Armenia Andranik Margarian’s death with a deep grief. I ask
at this mournful moment to present our sincere condolences to his
relatives and friends," is said in Prime Minister of Tadzhikistan
Akil Akilov’s telegram.

Ilia II Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia also presented condolences
on behalf of the Georgian Orthodox Church and personally himself on
the occasion of RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian’s premature death:
"We mourn with the whole Armenian people," the Patriarch mentioned.

Co-Chairmen of the U.S. Congress Armenian Causus Joe Knollenberg’s
and Frank Pallone’s telegram of condolence reads the following:

"Andranik Margarian was a political motive power in Armenia for
dozens of years. He was respected in the whole world as a real
leader of reforms and progressive government. As Co-Chairmen of the
U.S. Congress Armenian Causus, it was a great pleasure for us to work
with Prime Minister Margarian, so his absence will be painful for us."

EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby presented
his deep condolences to RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian’s family,
relatives, the RA Government and whole Armenian people. It is said
in the telegram addressed by him: "I got to know about Prime Minister
Andranik Margarian’s death with great pain. I had many opportunities
to meet with him. He was a bright individuality, real devoted person
for establishment of democracy and peace in the region. He had a
pivotal role in the affair of establishment of strong and long-lasting
relations between Armenia and the European Union."

It is particularly said in RA World Bank Office former head Roger
Robinson’s telegram: "I am deeply shocked and present my condolences to
Prime Minister Andranik Margarian’s family. Today in the morning I got
from press the grievous news of his premature death, and at the moment
I am with the Government of Armenia and the Armenian people in my
soul and mind. His death is a great loss for Your country. During his
officiating he had a great contribution in the affair of development
of Armenia, and I am sure that Mr. Margarian’s memory and heritage
will make a vital part of the history of Your country."

On the occasion of RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian’s
death telegrams of condolence were also sent by Prime Minister
of Finland Matti Vanhanen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of
Belgium Guy Verhovstadt, Chairman of the Executive Council of the
People-Democratic Republic of Korea Pak Bong Ju, Chairman of the
Supreme Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea A. Gritsenko and
Prime Minister V. Plakida, Prime Minister of South Osia Yuri Morozov,
Council Secretary of the CIS Interparliamentary Commission M. Krotov,
Chairman of the Committee on Fighters-Internationalists Issues attached
to the CIS Governments Heads Council Ruslan Aushev, Board Chairman
of the "Rusal" compamy Alexander Livshits, Board Chairman of the RAO
UES of Russia company Anatoly Chubais.

It is particularly said in the telegram addressed by Saint-Petersburg
Governor Valentina Matvienko: "A real citizen of his country, Prime
Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Chairman of the Republican
Party of Armenia passed away. Being a prominent politician, he did
much for implementation of democratic reforms, strengthening of the
statehood of Armenia. Andranik Margarian had a great contribution
in strengthening and development of the friendly relations between
Armenia and Saint-Petersburg. Andranik Margarian’s death is a great
loss for Armenia. I am deeply mournful with all those people who knew
and loved him. His memory will always remain bright in our hearts."

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the RF to Ukraine
Viktor Chernomyrdin mentioned in his telegram: "A wonderful person,
talented organizer, real leader passed away. It is a realy irreparable
loss. I bow my head with respect on this mournful day to Andranik
Nahapetovich’s light memory."

As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Government’s Information
and Public Relations Department, telegrams of condolence were
also got on behalf of the Governors of the RF regions of Rostov,
Sverdlovsk, Astrakhan, Ulyanovsk, Minsk city "Hayastan" (Armenia)
cultural-educational company, Beirut Haigazian University, Armenian
communities of Kharkov, Zhitomir, Abkhazia, the Armenian Union of
Romania, Yerevan State Institute of Theater and Cinema and other
local and international institutions, organizations, individuals.

SAINT LITURGY TO BE CELEBRATED IN JAVAKHK IN ANDRANIK MARGARIAN’S MEMORY

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Mar 30 2007

AKHALKALAK, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Saint
Liturgy will be celebrated in the Surb Khach (Saint Cross) church
of Akhalkalak on March 31, in Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik
Margarian’s memory. A requiem ceremony will be held for salvation of
prematurely deceased Prime Minister’s soul at the end of the liturgy.

According to Javakhk-Info, the population of Javakhk will pay its
tribute of respect to Andranik Margarian’s memory on that day,
particiating in the Saint Liturgy with its presence and prayer.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SECOND VOLUME OF "WHO IS WHO: ARMENIANS" BIOGRAPHIC ENCYCLOPEDIA TO BE PUBLISHED THIS YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Mar 30 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN. The RA NAS Armenian Encyclopedia
publishing house will publish this year the second volume of the "Who
is Who: Armenians" biographic encyclopedia. It will involve biographic
data of those prominent Armenia who had considerable achievements in
different spheres: science, culture, policy, ect., from the pagan
times to our days. As Hovhannes Aivazian, the publishing house
editor-in-chief informed the Noyan Tapan correspondent, the first
volume of the "School Encyclopedia" will also be published till the
end of the year, and the second volume will be published in 2008.

It was mentioned that the third, "Armenian Nature" volume of the
"Family Encyclopedia" series of publications was published in
January. It is a scientific-cognitive encyclopedia about the native
nature, its physical and geographic conditions, minerals, flora and
fauna, ecologic and nature protection problems.

In H. Aivazian’s words, money given from the state budget to the
publishing house dicreases year by year. So, if 28 mln drams were
given to the publishing house in 2005, 30 mln drams (83.3 thousand
U.S. dollars) were given in 2006, only 20 mln drams were given this
year. Whereas, in his words, 50 mln drams are annually necessary for
publication of voluminous encyclopedias.

As H. Aivazian mentioned voluminous encyclopedias were published
in post-Soviet countries after the independence in which the whole
history of those states is represented. "No similar encyclopedia
was yet published in Armenia, but its necessity is great," the
editor-in-chief of the publishing house noticed.

AHARON ADIBEKIAN: SPEAKING ABOUT REAL RATINGS OF POLITICAL FORCES BEFORE APRIL 20-25 IS SENSELESS

Noyan Tapan
Mar 30 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN. Speaking about the real rating of
this or that political force in May 12 elections before April 20-25
is senseless.

Aharon Adibekian, Head of Sociometer Center, expressed such opinion
on March 30 at the Forum press club. At the same time, he said that
according to preliminary surveys of Sociometer, 30% respondents are
not going to take part in the elections, 35% have already made up their
mind in this connection, and 1/3 have not decided yet whether to take
part in the elections or not and whom to elect. In A. Adibekian’s
words, there has never been such situation before elections in Armenia.

In his opinion, this is conditioned by a number of circumstances,
in particular, by appearance of "two new players" in the political
field – People’s Party headed by Tigran Karapetian and Bargavach
Hayastan Party headed by Gagik Tsarukian. In A. Adibekian’s words,
Bargavach Hayastan actively entering the political field a year ago
currently enjoys sympathy of part of opposition or not pro-governmental
electorate, the evidence of which, according to the data of preliminary
sociological surveys, is the Party’s highest rating.

As the sociologist affirmed, during the preelection campaign the
opposition "will get back part of its electorate" and Bargavach
Hayastan’s real rating will be specified then. In difference to the
latter, RPA’s rating is stable: according to the last four surveys,
its rating is 17-18%. A. Adibekian also said that it is not clear
for the present what impact RPA leader Andranik Margarian’s death
will have on the Party’s rating.

In the words of Sociometer’s head, on the basis of preliminary surveys
conducted by now it can be stated that besides the above mentioned
two parties, ARFD and National Unity also have chances to pass. And
Orinats Yerkir, Zharangutiun and People’s Party have some problems,
in case of solving which they will succeed.

By the way, touching upon estimations given to him lately by some
politicians, A. Adibekian stated: "I show the temperature like a
thermometer, therefore they do not like me."

AS YEREVAN PRESS CLUB CHAIRMAN FORECASTS, POLITICIANS DEPRIVED OF POSSIBILITY TO SPEAK ON TV HENCEFORTH WILL SPEAK ON TV OFTENER

Noyan Tapan
Mar 30 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN. Three opposition parties,
Zharangutiun, Nor Zhamanakner and Hanrapetutiun, had been deprived of
the possibility to speak on TV so far, but the situation has changed
lately. Chairman of Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardian stated this
at the March 30 discussion on the subject Armenia on the Threshold
of Elections. Supposing that country’s TV companies have received
permission to invite some politicians by the authorities, he forecast
that as a result the latters will start to speak on TV too often.

ARMENIAN CHURCH IS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY RESTORED WITH STATE RESOURCES OF TURKEY, TURKOLOGIST HAKOB CHAKRIAN FIXES

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Mar 30 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin did not participate in the opening ceremony of
the Akhtamar Surb Khach (Saint Cross) church as it was restored and
re-opened not as a spiritual but as a cultural hearth. Priest Vahram
Mikayelian, the Director of the Information Services of the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin stated about it at the March 30 press conference.

In the priest’s words, when churches were turned into preserves
or clubs during the Soviet years, no clergyman participated in the
latters’ opening, all the more, was not glad on that occasion. So,
in his words, the fact, that the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople
however participated in the opening of the Surb Khach church as a
cultural hearth, was astonishing.

In Turkologist Hakob Chakrian’s words, the RA Minister of Culture was
right sending her Deputy on mission to Turkey. In the Turkologist’s
opinion, the RA authorities’ decision on not participating at all in
the opening ceremony of Surb Khach would be wrong. Commenting upon
the Constantinople Armenian Patriarch’s participation in the Surb
Khach opening, H. Chakrian condemned the latter for accompanying
during the anthem of Turkey. "The Patriarch is a citizen of Turkey,
he is not obliged to sing the anthem of that country: he is not a
football player," the Turkologist said. He also added that restoration
of the Akhtamar Armenian church is a positive phenomenon in any case,
all the more, that an Armenian church was for the first time restored
with state resources of Turkey.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NEW AMBASSADOR OF ITALY TO RA INTENDS TO FOCUS HIS ATTENTION ON DEVELOPING ARMENIAN-ITALIAN COOPERATION IN SMB SPHERE

Noyan Tapan
Mar 30 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN. On March 30, newly appointed
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to Armenia
Massimo Lavezzo Cassinelli handed his credentials to RA President
Robert Kocharian. Congratulating the Ambassador in connection with
assuming his post, R. Kocharian said that Armenian-Italian cultural
and economic contacts became rather active during the tenure of the
previous Ambassador and he hopes to see the logical continuation of
this activization during the new Ambassador’s tenure.

According to the report provided to Noyan Tapan from RA President’s
Press Office, Ambassador Cassinelli said that he is going to focus
his attention on developing Armenian-Italian cooperation in SMB sphere.

NON-FOOD COMMODITY PRICES INCREASE BY 0.1% IN MARCH IN ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan
Mar 30 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN. The 0.1% price growth registered
in the Armenian non-food commodity market in March on February 2007
was mainly conditioned by a 0.1-0.6% growth in prices of clothing,
furniture, textiles, cosmetic, horticultural goods, footwear, and
kitchen utensils.

According to the RA National Statistical Service, prices of cultural
goods, jewelry, fuel, stationery, detergents, building materials,
medicines declined by 0.1-2.9% in the indicated period, while
the prices in other commodity groups remained at the level of the
previous month.

ARMENIAN DRAM APPRECIATES BY 20.5% AGAINST US DOLLAR IN ONE YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Mar 30 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN. A 1.7% decline in the settlement
exchange rate of the Armenian dram against the US dollar was
registerted in Armenia in March 2007 on December 2006 in parallel
with a 2% growth in consumer prices.

The growth of consumer prices and of the settlement exchange rate in
March 2006 on December 2005 made 2.8% and 0.4% respectively.

According to the RA National Statistical service, the 0.6% price fall
in Armenia’s consumer market in March on February 2007 was accompanied
by a 0.7% increase in the settlement exchange rate of the Armenian
dram against the US dollar (average on March 1-28).

The average settlement exchange rate of the Armenian dram against
the US dollar made 358.32 drams in March 2007, which is by 20.5%
lower than the respective index of March 2006 (451 drams).

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MOST OF PARTICIPANTS OF RA STOCK MARKET DO NOT SEE THREAT OF ENTRY OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN CORPORATE EQUITY MARKET

Arminfo
2007-03-30 12:49:00

The most of financial analysts and participants of Armenia’s stock
market do not see a threat of entry of the commercial banks in the
corporate equity market. This is the result of voting upon completion
of yesterday’s "English debates" in the "Marriott Armenia", organized
by an independent Rating Agency AmRating, a member of the international
Global Rating Group. The debates with participation of over 40 banks,
Heads of Investment Companies and experts were dedicated to the
subject " Entry of Commercial Banks in the Corporate Equity Market –
a Threat of Financial Stability and Development of the Market. Is it
true?". The debates were held under support of the USAID, the EAST
WEST MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE within the frames of the "Partners for
Financial Stability" Programme.

In his speech, an independent expert and a management specialist
Harutiun Mesropyan reminded the participants that after several
unsuccessful attempts to create a civilized stock market in Armenia,
the matter now concerns a more extended model that envisages an
activation in the market of banking Institutes. In his opinion,
the admittance of the banks to the corporate equity market will be
accompanied by risks and threats. "The practice shows that if we
want to create a free market in a limited space, where everyone
knows each other, and many of those aware do not say about it,
some undercover problems for this market creation arouse here. The
involvement of the banking system in a non-formed stock market means
an appearance of additional risks in the banking activities. A strong
market monopolization and oligarchy exist in Armenia", he said.

In the opinion of the member of the Board of RA Central Bank, Vache
Gabrielyan, the stock market at the present stage of development
is necessary not only for the economy in whole, but for the banking
system, in particular.

According to him, the financial world had forgotten the times of
depression long ago, that entailed a separation of the investment and
commercial banking. It is groundless to beware of the fact that the
banking system will not be able to manage the risks of the stock
market that just starts to appear in the country. Moreover, the
legislative experience, accumulated by Armenia’s regulator within
the latest 15 years, and the whole world practical experience show
that the risks can be managed, while the regulation mechanisms are
well studied and are successfully applied in many countries. "At the
present stage of development, the stock markets are necessary not
only for the economy in whole, but for the banking system as well,
since the banking sector of Armenia without the more or less developed
stock markets will not grow with such high rates that are presently
observed ", V. Garbrielyan stressed.

Along with it, in the opinion of the Head of the "Cascade Investment"
company, Haik Papyan, the participation of banks and other mortgage
companies in a stock market is welcomed, but only provided that
common regulative rules are available. He is sure that there should
be no privileged participants in the market. He noted that the draft
legislation puts the banking and mortgage companies in a priority
position that threatens the financial stability. "The one that
participates in this market should obey the same legislation, that
is, there should be no privileged participants", the expert said. "I
would not like for you to be given an impression that the banks are
striving for the stock market", he stressed addressing the audience.

The chairman of the board of ArmSwissBank Gevork Machayan supported
the market regulator project as giving commercial banks access to
the investment market. At the same time, he pointed out that all
participants must be given equal opportunities. "We have been marking
time for already 15 years. It is time to take specific actions. If
we do everything correctly, we will succeed. We all should change
our views and start proposing new products. It is always like this
on the market: some people lose, some people gain," Machayan said.

Speaking of the stock market development in Armenia, the co-director
of AEPLAC Tigran Jrbashyan pointed out that the country has strong
informal institutions and a very conservative market. What we have
today is not a securities market or stock exchange and even if we
push the banks they will not go to this market as they have nothing
to do there. In the coming three years Armenia will hardly have a
developed corporate stock market but we should start developing it,
linking it with other markets (possibly Russian and European) with
technologies and laws.

It is necessary to integrate the Armenian stock market into the global
stock market. At first, we should trade not in the shares of Armenian
corporates but in the shares of the markets they will be connected
with. As soon as the Armenian companies realize that they can invest,
get profit and carry out transactions, they will enter the market. Only
5-10 companies will act on this market in the coming 10 years. For
example, in some 3-5 years companies like ArmenTel, ArmRosgazprom,
Electric Network of Armenia, Zangazour Copper-Molybdenum Factory,
Armenal may appear on the market with corporate securities. Today we
should realize that we have no stock market and by letting banks in
we will stimulate its development.

The representative of IFC in Armenia Nerses Karamanukyan pointed
out the necessity of enlarging the number of potential market
participants and supporting banks in their work with clients. The
banks should encourage their clients to enter the market with their
own shares. We should train clients, inform them about stock market
and its advantages.

The chief editor of Delovoy Express newspaper Eduard Nagdalyan said
that the past 15 years of stock market stagnation, huge shadow economy
and high rate of monopolization inspire little hope for success. "I
doubt that this is the right moment. There is a big danger that we
may discredit good ideas once again," he said.

The president of Global Rating Group Richard Hainsworth pointed out
that similar measures have already been carried out in Eastern and
South-Western Europe. This is a good ground for partner relations and
exchange of experience and this is good for financial stability. This
is very important for the markets of the countries who have different
situations but common roots – something they should use to find the
right way.