Month: April 2007

CURRENT BUDGETARY TRANSFERS INCREASE BY 10.3% IN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007 ON SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Apr 04 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-February 2007, current
transfers made 30.7% or 14.2 bln drams (about 39.5 mln USD) of
current expenditures of the RA state budget. The quarterly program on
allocation of current transfers was fulfilled by 63.5%. According to
the RA Ministry of Finance and Economy, over 4.4 bln drams of transfer
allocations was spent on benefits, 3 bln drams – on pensions, and
2.9 bln drams – on subsidies to communities. The total amount of
transfers grew by 10.3% on the same period of 2006. Subsidies and
benefits increased by 19.9% and 11.8% respectively in the first two
months of 2007 on the same months of 2006.

In the first two month of 2007, subsidies of over 2.1 bln drams (5.8
mln USD) were provided from the RA state budget, which made up 4.6%
of current expenditures: the quarterly program on subsidizing was
fulfilled by 40.3%. The amount of susidies from the state budget
exceeded by 29.6% or 489.3 mln drams the index of January-February
2006.

23.8 bln drams was allocated from the state budget for
purchase of goods and services, which made up 51.6% of current
budgetary expenditures: the quarterly program was fulfilled by
48.4%. Expenditures on purchase of goods and services grew by 7.9%
or 1.8 bln drams compared with January-February of last year, which
is mainly conditioned by an increase in expenditures on comprehensive
education, as well as primary and hospital medical aid.

More than 5.3 bln drams was allocated from the RA state budget for
financing of capital expenditures in January-February 2007. Capital
expenditures of the state budget grew by 45.9% or about 1.7 bln
drams on the same period of last year, which was mainly due to an
increase in capital expenditures in the spheres of defence, education,
health care and water industry, as well as by allocations from the
RA government’s reserve fund.

In January-February 2007, crediting from the RA state budget amounted
to 2.9 ln drams, with this sum being provided to the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic (NKR). 45.4 mln drams of previously provided credits was
re-paid to the RA state budget. As a result, net creiting made 2.8
bln drams. Net crediting of the state budget grew by 20.7% on the
same period of 2006 – at the expense of the increased amount of the
credit to the NKR in 2007 on last year.

STATE BUDGETARY EXPENDITURES GROW BY 12.8% IN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007 ON SAME MONTHS OF 2006

Noyan Tapan
Apr 04 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-February 2007, expenditures
of 54.3 bln drams (about 151 mln USD) were made at the expense of
the RA state budget, 85% of which was spent on financing of current
expenditures, 9.8% – on financing of capital expenditures, and 5.2%
– on net financing.

According to the RA Ministry of Finance and Economy, budgetary
expenditures grew by 12.8% or about 6.2 bln drams on the same period
of last year. This growth is mainly conditioned by an increase in
expenditures on services, capital expenditures and transfers.

Current expenditures make up the largest share of expenditures –
46.2 bln drams was allocated for their financing in the first two
months of 2007, which ensured 52.6% fulfilment of the quarterly
program. Current expenditures grew by 9.5% or 4 bln drams on the same
months of last year.

10.9% of current expenditures (over 5 bln drams) was allocated for
payment of salaries of state institutions’ employees, which is more by
13.8% than in January-February 2006. The quarterly program on salary
payment was fulfilled by 58.2%.

NON-TAX REVENUES OF STATE BUDGET INCREASE 2.7FOLD IN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007 ON SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Apr 04 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-February 2007, non-tax
revenues of the RA state budget made 7.6 bln drams (over 21.1 mln
USD), which ensured fulfilment of the annual programmed index by
38.9%. According to the RA Ministry of Finance and Economy, non-tax
revenues of the state budget increased 2.7fold on the same period
of last year, which is conditioned by payment of 4 bln 613 mln drams
by the reconciliation agrement signed between ArmenTel CJSC and the
Armenian government. Non-tax revenues’ growth without this sum made
110 mln drams.

In January-February 2007, revenues of the RA state budget from capital
operations made over 4.4 bln drams, 4.1 bln drams of which was received
from alienation of lands representing state property, and 339.1 mln
drams – from sale of fixed assets. The quarterly program of revenues
from capital operations was fulfilled by 177.5% due to revenues from
sale of lands in Yerevan. Actual rvenues from capital operations grew
by 77.1% or about 2 bln drams on the same months of last year.

Official transfers of 2.6 mln drams were received in the first two
months of this year. This sum was transferred to extra-budgetary
accounts of state institutions.

FIXED PAYMENTS INCREASE BY 19.6%, SIMPLIFIED TAX BY 24.1% IN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007 ON SAME MONTHS OF LAST YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Apr 04 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-February 2007, fixed
payments made 2.6 bln drams, exceeding by 19.6% or 423.2 mln drams the
respective index of 2006. According to the RA Ministry of Finance and
Economy, this growth was mainly conditioned by a growth in payments
for organization of lotteries, prize games, transport activity,
trade points and gas filling stations.

In the indicated period, the RA state budgetary revenues from
simplified tax made 1.5 ln drams, growing by 24.1% or 288.3 mln drams
on the same period of last year.

In January-February 2007, state budgetary revenues from other taxes
amounted to 3.1 ln drams. Particularly, nature use and environmental
protection payments made 2.3 bln drams. road payments – 240.5 mln
drams. These taxes grew twofold or by over 1.5 bln drams on the same
period of 2006, mainly conditioned by a growth in nature use payments.

State budgetary revenues from state duty made 2.6 bln drams, which
ensured fulfilment of the first quarter’s plan by 73.4%. The amount
of state duty collection grew by 23.4% or 485.4 mln drams on the same
months of 2006, mainly conditioned by an increase of duties charged
for licensing of some types of activities, provision of juridical
documents to natural persons and duties for departure of natural
persons by air transport.

HONOURARY TITLES GIVEN TO A NUMBER OF THEATER FIGURES ON OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THEATER

Noyan Tapan
Apr 04 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. By RA President Robert Kocharian’s
decree, a number of theater figures were given honourary titles
for considerable contribution in the sphere of theater art, on the
occasion of the international day of theater. Hasmik Poghosian, the
RA Minister of Culture and Youth Issues handed them the certificates
on honourary titles on April 3.

Appreciating the theater figures’ devoted work, the Minister attached
importance to the issue that Armenia today officially marks the
International Day of Theater, attempting to glorify devoted people of
that sphere. In H. Poghosian’s words, overcoming numerous difficulties,
almost all theaters of Armenia were able to keep their existence,
stage wonderful performances, keep "image of the Armenian theater."

Actress of the H. Paronian Music Comedy State Theater Galya Novents
was given the title of the RA People’s Artist. Actress of the
Vanadzor H. Abelian State Sramatic Theater Eline Aghamian, actress
of the Gyumri V. Achemian State Dramatic Theater, director Susanna
Baghdasarian, actor of the Yerevan Puppet State Theater, director
Anna Elbakian. actor of the K. Stanislavski State Russian Dramatic
Theater Robert Hakobian, actor of the Yerevan Hr. Ghaplanian Dramatic
Theater Robert Haroutiunian, solo dancer of the Al. Spendiarian Opera
and Ballet National Academic Theater Tigran Mikayelian and actor,
director Mikayel Poghosian were given the RA Honourary Artist’s title.

Painter of the Yerevan Hr. Ghaplanian Dramatic Theater Karen Grigorian
was given the RA Honourary Painter’s title, and director of the
G. Sundukian National Academic Theater Hrachia Ghazarian and actor
of the H. Tumanian State Puppet Theater Gagik Rostomian were given
the RA Honourary Art Figure’s title.

SEGOLENE ROYAL: IN CASE OF BEING ELECTED AS PRESIDENT I PROMISE TO RATIFY BILL DETERMINING CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR DENIAL OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 04 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. "Turkey can join
the European Union if it recognizes the Armenian Genocide." Segolene
Royal, candidate for presidency of French Socialist Party, stated
this in his interview to an Armenian magazine.

According to the Sabah Turkish daily, Royal who according to
sociological surveys, is considered as one of the most probable
candidates for holding the post of the President, declared that Turkey
should register progress in the issue of recognizing its crimes
committed in the past. "I promise in case of winning the elections
to ratify the law determining a criminal liability for denying the
Armenian Genocide," Royal declared promising to give force of law to
the bill adopted by the country’s parliament on October 12, 2006.

ANKARA IS ANXIOUS ABOUT BILL ON DETERMINING CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR DENIAL OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO BE INTRODUCED TO EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 04 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Turkish Foreign
Minister Abdullah Gul who is in Germany on an official visit
expressed his country’s anxiety to his German counterpart Frank-Walter
Steinmeier in connection with the German initiative to be introduced
to the European Parliament, according to which denial of genocides,
including the Armenian Genocide, is considered as a crime and is
subject to criminal liability.

According to the Sabah Turkish daily, Gul said that the bill to
be introduced to the European parliament in its current form makes
Ankara anxious.

ROYAL HAS ONE CONDITION: "RECOGNIZE THE GENOCIDE"

Sabah, Turkey
April 4 2007

The most powerful candidate in the presidential election in France,
Royal: "Turkey can access the EU if it recognizes the Armenian
genocide."

Segolene Royal, the candidate from the Socialist Party spoke before
the elections to be held this month: "Turkey should make progress
about recognizing its crimes in the past. If I win the election,
my official opinion for foreign affairs will be making the denial of
the genocide a crime."

"Penalty for denying genocide" should become a law

France’s powerful presidential candidate, Segolene Royal, mentioned the
Armenian genocide in an interview with an Armenian magazine: "Turkey
should recognize its crimes in the past to become a member of the EU."

The candidate from the Socialist party, Segolene Royal states:
"we know that Turkey should make progress in regards to recognizing
its crimes in the past. If I win the election, my official opinion
on foreign affairs will be making the denial of a genocide a crime."

Royal, the strongest supporter of the Armenian genocide bill, made
a commitment that the bill passed from in the parliament will be
enforced as a law.

NICOLAS SARKOZY: TURKEY’S MEMBERSHIP TO EU WILL DELIVER A MORTAL BLOW TO EUROPE’S IDENTITY

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 04 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. "Turkey’s membership
to European Union will kill the idea of creation of a united Europe:
it will deliver a mortal blow to EU’s identity." Nicolas Sarkozy,
candidate for presidency of French right-sided People’s Movement Union,
gave assurance in his newly published book under the title "Together."

Sarkozy who has repeatedly stated that Turkey’s membership to EU is
not expedient and Ankara should be given the status of a "privileged
partner" in relations with EU, wrote that EU’s extension "weakened
the will of Europe’s publics," as a result of which, in his words,
great obstacles emerged in the way of building European political
integrity. "If Turkey joins EU, we should have considered as buried
our activities in the direction of making the European Union a world
force," Sarkozy said.
From: Baghdasarian

1314 CANDIDATES FOR DEPUTACY REGISTERED FOR PARTICIPATING IN MAY 12 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS BY PROPORTIONAL SYSTEM

Noyan Tapan
Apr 04 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. At the April 4 sitting RA Central
Electoral Commission registered the electoral rolls of 24 parties and
1 bloc nominated for parliamentary elections by proportional system. In
total, the electoral rolls include 1314 candidates for deputacy.

The National Democratic Party introduced documents only for 73 out
of 77 persons nominated by the list in advance. There are 24 women
candidates or 32.8% on the list.

The National Consent Party introduced documents necessary for
registration for all of 12 candidates. Two of them or 16.6% are women.

The National Unity Party introduced documents for all of 71 nominated
candidates. 12 of them or 16.9% are women.

The Bargavach Hayastan introduced documents for registration of all
of 112 candidates. 18 of them or 16% are women.

The Dashink Party introduced necessary documents for registration of
38 out of 47 candidates. 7 of them or 18.4% are women.

The Zharangutiun Party introduced documents necessary for registration
for 51 out of 56 nominated candidates. 11 of them or 21.5% are women.

The People’s Party introduced documents for 40 out of 44 nominated
candidates. 9 of them or 22.5% are women.

The Democratic Way Party introduced documents necessary for
registration for 31 out of 35 candidates. 5 of them or 16.1% are women.

The Impeachment bloc introduced registration documents for 59 out of
68 nominated candidates. 12 of them or 20.3% are women.

ARFD introduced registration documents for 113 out of 117 nominated
candidates. 29 of them or 25.6% are women.

The Progressive Party of Armenia introduced registration documents
for 6 out of 7 nominated candidates. 2 of them or 33.3% are women.

The Democratic Party of Armenia introduced registration documents
for 33 out of 34 registered candidates. 10 of them or 30.3% are women.

The Youth Party of Armenia introduced registration documents for 19
out of 22 nominated candidates. 5 of them or 26.3% are women.

The People’s Party of Armenia introduced registration documents for
64 out of 69 nominated candidates. 13 of them or 20.3% are women.

The Communist Party of Armenia introduced registration documents for
49 out of 51 nominated candidates. 8 of them or 16.3% are women.

The Republican Party of Armenia introduced registration documents
for 111 out of 112 nominated candidates. 17 of them or 15.1% are women.

The Marxist Party of Armenia introduced registration documents for
all of 9 nominated candidates. 2 of them or 22% are women.

The Armenian National Movement Party introduced registration documents
for 57 out of 70 nominated candidates. 13 of them or 22.8% are women.

The Hanrapetutiun (Republic) Party introduced registration documents
for 55 out of 61 nominated candidates. 19 of them or 34.5% are women.

The United Labor Party nominated registration documents for 77 out
of 83 nominated candidates. 16 of them or 20.7% are women.

The United Liberal National Party introduced necessary documents for
18 out of 23 nominated candidates. 18 of them or 44.4% are women.

The Nor Zhamanakner (New Times) Party introduced necessary documents
for 58 out of 62 nominated candidates. 17 of them or 29.3% are women.

The Social-Democrat Hnchakian Party introduced registration documents
for 18 out of 20 nominated candidates. 6 of them or 33.3% are women.

The Christian-Democratic Revival Party introduced registration
documents for 20 out of 22 nominated candidates. 4 of them or 20%
are women.

The Orinats Yerkir (Country of Law) introduced registration documents
for 120 out of 131 nominated candidates. 28 of them or 23.3% are women.