Month: August 2008

BAKU STILL SPINNING STORIES ABOUT NAGORNY KARABAKH REPUBLIC

arminfo
2008-08-06 16:20:00

ArmInfo. ‘Azerbaijani authorities keep spinning stories connected with
Nagorny Karabakh Republic and believe in their own stories. One of such
thin stories was created in response to declaration of NKR. Thus, NKR
capital Stepanakert was renamed into . It has changed nothing, indeed,
for the world knows it as Stepanakert’, Varges Hovyan, Head of the
NKR Government Department for Information and Public Relations, told
media in Stepanakert when commenting on the information disseminated
by Azerbaijani media entitled ‘Azerbaijan has founded new capital of
Nagorny Karabakh’.

‘Now they in Baku invented a new amusement. They have drawn up a map,
changed the borders of Nagorny Karabakh and founded a new capital
Nargiztepe. They even began gathering "refugees" to settle the
future capital city. All this is like the New-Vasuki established by
Ostap Bender’, he said. In response they in Karabakh might ‘found’
a settlement for 400,000 Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan not far
from Baku and call it, for instance, Artsakhakert, he said. ‘One can
joke as much as he wants to but the mess created by Azerbaijan is
not only another misinformation but also another evidence of their
intention to liquidate this Armenian region. They have done that
on paper so far. However, NKR people will never allow Azerbaijan
to reinforce its plans based on slander and misinformation. Two
bellicose nations cannot live together in the same state. Neither
Azerbaijanis nor 400,000 Armenian refugees can hope for return. At
best, Azerbaijanis may visit NKR as tourists’, V. Hovyan said.

PREMIER MINISTER OUTLINES DEMANDS TO ACTIVITY OF CUSTOMS WAREHOUSES

ARKA
Aug 6, 2008

YEREVAN, August 6. /ARKA/. Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
outlined the main demands to activity of customs warehouses.

"Our common goal is to sharply improve the quality of services provided
by customs warehouses. The goal can be achieved through joint efforts
of customs bodies and organizers of warehouses," Sargsyan stressed
at the government’s working session also attended by supervisors
of warehouses.

The premier said all the government actions must be clear and
predictable.

"First we must rule out any wholesale or retail sale from warehouses,"
the premier said. Besides, the territories of warehouses must be
clearly isolated. If supervisors fail to isolate their territories
before the deadline, their licenses will be revoked. The practice
of receiving and removal of goods from warehouses must be ruled out
as well.

Besides, the premier stressed the necessity of regulating issues
connected with maintenance of safety rules. The premier also said
conditions for self-declaration should be created. Warehouses
need technical improvement which requires investments from
supervisors.

ILHAM ALIYEV REFUTES MATTHEW BRYZA’S STATEMENT ABOUT REFERENDUM IN KARABAKH

arminfo
2008-08-06 17:04:00

ArmInfo-TURAN. Azerbaijani government will further pay attention to
military construction, President Ilham Aliyev said at yesterday’s
enlarged session of Cabinet of Ministers.

He said additional measures are taken to strengthen defense industry.

"Strong army is, undoubtedly, plays a decisive role in restoration
of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and we will further continue
strengthening our army," Aliyev said.

Aliyev said that Azerbaijan’s position to the Karabakh conflict
settlement remains unchanged. The conflict must be settled within the
framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and status of autonomy
must be granted to Nagorno Karabakh. No other variants are discussed,
added Aliyev.

He said the conflict can be settled on terms of withdrawal of Armenian
troops from all occupied regions and Azerbaijani population’s back
to native lands, including Nagorno Karabakh.

"Azerbaijan will not grant any status to Nagorno Karabakh beyond of
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Both Armenia and countries of
OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen are well aware of that," Aliyev said. He
explained that he would like to pay attention to this fact, because
of possible speculations.

"Along with Armenia several international organizations also express
subjective and far from reality opinions.

Distribution of such false information could aggravate the situation,"
said Aliyev hinting at the latest statement of Matthew Bryza,
U.S. co-chairman of OSCE Minsk Group.

Last week Matthew Bryza, U.S. co-chairman of OSCE Minsk Group, said
Nagorno Karabakh’s status will be resolved by means of referendum in
the region.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

COMMISSION ON REGULATION OF PUBLIC SERVICES ALLOWS ARMROSGAZPROM TO INCREASE GAZPROM’S STAKE IN ITS AUTHORIZED CAPITAL BY $413.8MLN

arminfo
2008-08-06 16:51:00

ArmInfo. The Commission on Regulation of Public Services of Armenia
has allowed ArmRosgazprom CJSC to increase its authorized capital
by 124.154bln AMD ($413.8) to 402.195bln AMD ($1.341bln) by issuing
additional shares.

Gazprom has been allowed to buy 24,700,000 ordinary nominal shares
at 5,026 AMD each. The money received from the sale of the shares
will be spent on ArmRosgazprom’s energy projects in Armenia.

For the moment, the authorized capital of ArmRosgazprom totals
278,040,807,288 AMD ($927mln). Gazprom has 72.16% stake in the
authorized capital of ArmRosgazprom, the government holds – 22.78%,
ITERA Group – 5.06%. ArmRosgazprom was set up in Dec 1997 and is the
exclusive importer of natural gas into Armenia.

ARRESTED DEPUTIES OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY UNDERGO MEDICAL EXAMINATION AT CIVIL MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS

Noyan Tapan

Au g 6, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, NOYAN TAPAN. By instructions of the RA Prosecutor
General, the management of "Yerevan-Kentron" penitentiary on August
6 organized medical examination of National Assembly deputies Hakob
Hakobian, Sasun Mikaelian and Myasnik Malkhasian, who were arrested
under the criminal case in connection with the March 1 events. The
deputies were examined in civil medical institutions.

According to the press service of the RA Prosecutor General’s Office,
M. Malkhasian underwent examination at "Erebuni" medical center, and
a necessity arose to make a most specialized and thorough examination
due to insular diabetes he has. M. Malkhasian is currently at "Erebuni"
medical center.

H. Hakobian, who complains of a gastrointestinal disorder (diarrea),
underwent examination at "Nork" isolation hospital. The results of
his tests will be known in 7 days.

S. Mikaelian was examined at "Erebuni" medical center. The condition
of his heart was assessed as satisfactory.

H. Hakobian and S. Mikaelian were moved back to "Yerevan-Kentron"
penitentiary.

ARSEN MKRTCHIAN APPOINTED JUDGE OF RA CIVIL APPEAL COURT

Noyan Tapan

Au g 6, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, NOYAN TAPAN. By an August 6 decree of the Armenian
president Serzh Sargsyan, the addition to the 2007 list on promotion
of judges of first instance courts was approved. Based on it, the
head of the RA Judicial Department Arsen Mkrtchian was included in
the list. By another decree of the same day, Arsen Mkrtchian was
appointed a judge of the RA Civil Appeal Court.

NT was informed by the RA president’s press service that S. Sargsian
also signed a decree on terminating the powers of Samvel Gyurjian,
a judge of the RA Cassation Court.

SERZH SARGSYAN: ARMENIA HAS ALWAYS STRIVED TO HAVE FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH ARAB WORLD

Noyan Tapan

Au g 6, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, NOYAN TAPAN. Receiving on August 6 the crown prince
and deputy ruler of Ras Al-Khaima Emirate (UAE) Sheikh Saud bin Sakr
Al-Kasimi and the delegation headed by him, the Armenian president
Serzh Sargsyan expressed satisfaction at the dynamically developing
relations between the two countries. "Armenia has always strived to
have friendly relations with the Arab world, including Gulf countries,"
he stated.

Pointing out great potential for development of the bilateral
relations, S. Sargsyan attached special importance to the full use of
the existing opportunities. In his words, it is evident from the fact
that in the past six months the commodity turnover between Armenia
and the UAE has doubled that businessmen of the two countries have
began to work much more actively.

Expressing a willingness to establish closer links with Armenia,
Sheikh Saud bin Sakr Al-Kasimi said: "Our vision is quite clear: we
strive to ensure properity, stability and an environment of economic
growth, and in parallel with it, to cooperate with the countries that
have the same goals and implement the same mission".

According to a press release of the RA president’s press service,
at the meeting the sides discussed the programs being implemented
in tourism and mining industry, noting that these undertakings have
a promising basis and serious prospects of extension. Underling the
importance of foreign investments, S. Sargsyan said that for Armenia,
investments are not only business but also new experience of work, new
quality and culture. He assured the delegation that the government will
assist with the implementation of already launched investment programs.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN EMERGENCY MINISTRY TO RECEIVE JAPANESE GRANT FOR PURCHASING FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT

ARKA
Aug 6, 2008

YEREVAN, August 6. /ARKA/. Japanese Development Agency will provide
$9 million to Armenian Emergency Ministry in grant for purchasing
firefighting equipment, Emergency Minister Mher Shahgeldyan said
on Tuesday.

According to the ministry’s figures, 601 fires a fire broke out in
Armenia in the first half of 2008 against 327 at the same period of
the previous year.

These fires caused damage of AMD 232 million or $770,000, took lives
of 17 people (18 in 2007) and injured 38 people against 19 a year
earlier.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SLOVAKIA LAUNCHES PROGRAMS ON CONSTRUCTION OF 3 HYDROPOWER PLANTS IN ARMENIA WITH CREDITS OF 10 MILLION EUROS

Noyan Tapan

Au g 6, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, NOYAN TAPAN. Slovakian banks started providing
export credits of a total of 30 million euros for construction
of hydropower plants in Armenia. Construction of 3 hydropower
plants with credits of a total of 10 million euros has already been
launched. Other programs are being discussed. The head of the Armenian
community of Slovakia, chairman of the Forum of Armenian Unions in
Europe, businessman Ashot Grigorian announced this at the meeting of
3 representatives of Slovakian companies and 12 representatives of
Armenian companies engaged in construction of hydropower plants. The
meeting was organized by Yerevan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and
"Noyan Tapan" Media Union’s Business Information and Advice Unit.

A. Grigorian said that VUJE company (Slovakia) has constructed 2
nuclear power plants, has a long experience of cooperation with the
Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, and has been cooperating with hydropower
constructing and operating companies for 5-6 years. 2 hydropower
plants built with VUJE’s technical assistance and equipment already
operate in Armenia.

He explained that the Slovakian banks provide credits for a period
of up to 8 years (with a one-year grace period usually needed for
construction and launching of hydropower plants) and at 8.5-10%
annual interest rate, which is much lower than credits in Armenian
banking system. Crediting is done after achieving a quadripartite
agreement "Slovakian company – Armenian company – Slovakian bank –
Armenian bank". The Armenian bank must manage the repayment of the
credit received by the Armenian company from a Slovakian bank, that
is, the Armenian company makes the credit repayment to the Armenian
bank that transfers these sums to the Slovakian bank. On the other
hand, a Slovakian company’s risk in deals of Armenian and Slovakian
companies is insured by Eximbank. At that, 50% of goods to be exported
from Slovakia to Armenia must be made in the Slovak Republic, while
the other 50% – in other countries.

According to A. Grigorian, the Armenian companies engaged in
construction of hydropower plants are not inclined to purchase
expensive European equipment.

He added that in case of supply of European equipment, it will be
subject to VUJE’s guarantees, while in case of equipment made in other
countries, there will be no such guarantees. He explained that the
Slovakian banks are also ready to credit the payment of an advance
making 15% of the total amount of the credit, as well as of 6.5%
insurance – but in the form of a commercial credit.

VUJE director Milan Ferenc said that although the company’s equipment
is expensive, no high costs of servicing are required as compared
with Chinese equipment that is cheaper than European one. A. Grigorian
added that 19 out of 21 hydropower plants, which were constructed with
Chinese equipment in Albania under a state program, did not operate,
whereas another two plants worked only for a year.

He said that the crediting period for construction of hydropower plants
in Armenia may be extended by up to 10 years, including crediting of
equipment, as well as construction and design work.

During the meeting, it became clear that 4 Armenian companies have
designs for hydropower plant construction. It was mentioned that after
receiving a design, VUJE develops an offer for equipment supply –
by the best quality-price ratio. After the offer is agreed on with
the Armenian company, a credit line will be opened within a month
based on a quadripartite agreement.

M. Ferenc attached importance to the correct choice of a hydropower
plant-constructing company as there has been a case in Armenia when
the contractor company did not start its work after the equipment
had been supplied.

In the words of A. Grigorian, VTB-Armenia Bank and Unibank gave
guarantees to Armenian companies in the programs on construction
of hydropower plants with Slovakian credits. Armbusinessbank,
Ardshininvestbank, Converse Bank and Anelik Bank have also been chosen
for participation in these programs.

He said that an Armenian hydropower constructing company together
with some other guarantee-giving partner bank may enter the Slovakian
crediting programs.

A. Grigorian added that after the compeltion of 30 million-euro
crediting program, the Slovakian banks will discuss the issue of
starting the second stage.

RESULTS OF WORK IN FIRST HALF OF 2008 SUMMARIZED AT PROSECUTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE

Noyan Tapan

Au g 6, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, NOYAN TAPAN. The number of crimes recorded in the
first half of 2008 declined by 376 or 8.6% on the same period of 2007
(4,374-3,998), while crimes against individuals grew by 64 or 14.7%
(434-498). This was stated at the August 6 sitting of the Collegium of
the RA Prosecutor General’s Office, during which the results of the
work of the Prosector General’s Office and the situation on crimes
in the first half of 2008 were summarized.

There was an increase in such crimes as murder (37-40), causing harm
to health intentionally (225-247), including causing grievous harm to
health (85-111), crimes against sexual immunity (16-19), including
rape and attempted rape (5-9). Only the number of attempted murders
declined (18-11).

By statistical data, the detection of general crimes against
individuals fell from 87.7% to 84.3%. The detection of attempted
murders and the deliberate causing of bodily injuries, including
a grievous injury, fell, while the index of detection of murders
increased somewhat.

It was mentioned at the sitting that in the period under review,
the vicious practice of not registering crimes by some policemen
continued. In particular, studies showed that 2 murders and 2 attempted
murders committed in Tavush marz by inter-national strife-related
motives were not recorded in the Information Center of the RA
Police. Criminal cases on 428 cases when light or medium-severity
harm was done to health were not recorded either.

In the words of the RA Prosecutor General Aghvan Hovsepian, the
decline in hoologanism cases is of artificial nature: such cases were
qualified as bodily injuries so that it would be easy to refuse to
open a criminal case as this type of crime is investigated based on
a private complaint of the victim.

267 crimes were committed either by minors or with their participation
(214 minors) in the first half of 2008, including 180 thefts by 235
minors, 13 robberies, and 11 robber attacks. A. Hovsepian expressed
a negative opinion about the work done with minors, saying that this
work should be continuous rather than occasional. "There has been a
rise in crimes committed by minors, especially by groups of minors,
mainly cases of theft," he said.

All the structural subdivisions of the prosecutor’s office conducted
204 checks in the first half of 2008, as a result of which 287 offences
were revealed, 81 persons were warned to voluntarily compensate
for damage done to state interests, and 505,355,014 drams was paid
as compensation. The Department for Protection of State Interests
opened 10 criminal cases, by which the total damage to the state
made 77,877,006 thousand drams, 8,443.6 thousand drams was paid as
compensation during the pre-court procedure – 9 criminal cases were
opened in the same period of 2007, while the damage to the state made
6.3 million drams.

In the first half of 2008, Armenian investigation bodies took 130
criminal cases for investigation, 29 of which were investigated by the
RA Special Investigation Service, 3 – by the Investigation Department
of the RA National Security Service, 16 – by the Main Investigation
Department of the RA police, 10 – by the Investigation Department
of the Defence Ministry. No corruption-related criminal cases were
investigated by a tax and customs investigation department. The
RA Prosecutor General expressed his concern that the RA Cassation
Court continues its practice: complaints are often returned without
explanation. "Such work of the Cassation Court involves a considerable
corruption risk," the Prosecutor General said.