Month: December 2008

HENCEFORTH CITIZENS OF ARMENIA CAN LEAVE FOR SWITZERLAND WITHOUT THAT COUNTRY’S VISA

Noyan Tapan

Dec 11, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 11, NOYAN TAPAN. From December 12 Switzerland joins
Schengen Agreement and starts providing Schengen visas. A Schengen
visa provided by the Embassy of Switzerland will permit to leave not
only for Switzerland, but also for the whole Schengen territory.

According to the report of the Embassy of Switzerland, the citizens of
Armenia, who have a Schengen visa provided by other Schengen territory
states, can leave for Switzerland without the visa of Switzerland.

GEORGIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY’S DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTION TO BE WORKED OUT

Noyan Tapan

Dec 11, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 11, NOYAN TAPAN. An agreement on working out
Georgian Armenian community’s development conception was worked
out during Armenian Prime Minister’s visit to Georgia. According
to the report of the RA government Information and Public Relations
Department, Tigran Sargsian said this at the RA government December 11
sitting. The RA Prime Minister proposed that RA Ministry of Diaspora
be the initiator of document’s elaboration: the Ministry should create
a working group with the participation of interested Ministries and
introduce the conception to the government setting an exact term.

T. Sargsian considering the Georgian Armenian community one of the
most important communities, said that the conception on that community
will give answers to many questions on the part of those communities
as well. "We reached an agreement in Tbilisi that Armenian community’s
leadership will also take part in these elaborations. Their viewpoints
and opinions will be also important for working out that conception. I
think it will be right that besides the RA Ministries of Culture,
Education and Science, a representative of the Foreign Ministry is
also included in the working group," the Prime Minister said. He
instructed to make up a protocol decision on that and organize a
discussion during the first week of 2009 February.

OPENING OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER WILL BE ALSO USEFUL FOR BULGARIA, GEORGI PARVANOV SAYS

Noyan Tapan

Dec 11, 2008

SOFIA, DECEMBER 11, NOYAN TAPAN. On the first day of RA President
Serzh Sargsyan’s two-day official visit to Bulgaria, on December
10, he had a tete-a-tete talk with President of Bulgaria Georgi
Parvanov. The interlocutors highly evaluated the level of the current
political dialogue between the two countries. They said that economic
cooperation and commodity circulation, which amounts to over 150m USD,
are inferior to political dialogue’s level, and proper steps need to
be taken both to change the commodity circulation structure and to
further develop economic partnership.

S. Sargsyan and Georgi Parvanov were pleased to record the good
legal-contractual sphere between the two countries.

G. Parvanov welcomed the Armenian-Turkish dialogue expressing the
hope that the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border will be also
very useful for the Bulgarian side. The interlocutors held the
same opinion that if the border is opened, a possibility of direct
transport, motorway communication will be created between Armenia and
Bulgaria. S. Sargsyan also presented Armenia’s intention to build a
railway with Iran. Both sides mentioned the necessity to carry out
air communication, as well.

The President of Bulgaria expressed readiness to assist Armenia in
the respect of exchanging experience and providing expert assistance
within the framework of EU Eastern Partnership programs.

Four documents have been signed with the two countries’ Presidents’
participation: a protocol of intentions of organization and holding
of days of Bulgarian culture in 2009 in Armenia and days of Armenian
culture in 2010 in Bulgaria, 2009-2014 working plan of cooperation in
the state government sphere, agreement of cooperation in the sphere
of archives work, as well as a protocol on making amendments to
the agreement on excluding double taxation of revenues and property
between the two countries.

According to the report provided to Noyan Tapan by the RA President’s
Press Office, the same day S. Sargsyan had a working dinner with
Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev, during which many problems
regarding cooperation prospects in the economic sphere were discussed.

Then S. Sargsyan met with Chairman of National Assembly of Bulgaria
Georgi Pirinski. Issues regarding Armenian-Bulgarian partnership
were discussed, in particular, importance was attached to further
deepening of interparliamentary cooperation’s positive traditions,
which is of considerable importance for keeping the political dialogue
between the two countries at the proper level.

REPRESENTATIVES OF ARMENIA’S PRIVATE SECTOR MAY SUBMIT THEIR BUSINESS PLANS TO GOVERNMENT ALSO VIA E-MAIL

Noyan Tapan

Dec 11, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 11, NOYAN TAPAN. The person in charge of information
collection and contacts with apllying persons at the operative
headquarters set up for discussion of private sector support
programs is the assistant of the Armenian prime minister Albert
Grigorian, to whom those interested may e-mail their business plans
([email protected]). The prime minister Tigran Sargsyan announced
this at the December 11 sitting of the government.

According to a press release of the RA Government Information and PR
Department, proposals may also be submitted by phone: 52-92-39.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT APPROVES 2009 SME STATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Noyan Tapan

Dec 11, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 11, NOYAN TAPAN. At the December 11 sitting, the
Armenian government approved the 2009 Program of State Assistance to
the Small and Medium Entrepreneurship (SME). The decision was made
in accordance with the requirements of Article 4 of the RA Law on
State Assistance to Small and Medium Entrepreneurship.

It was mentioned at the sitting that SME state assistance programs
are based on the fundamental principles of the economic policy
adopted by the Republic of Armenia and help develop the economy
of the country, especially its remote and border settlements, and
overcome the disproportions, which are the strategic and priority
directions of the RA government’s economic policy. The main goal of
the program is to contribute, through continuous assistance, to the
gradual increase of the role of SME. Among the program’s goals are
also the creation and strengthening of infrastructures for assistance
to SME; the expansion of financial and investment opportunities of
SME, while giving preference to SME entities operating in remote and
border settlements; the expansion of opportunities to use instructive,
information and advisory services, as well as to engage in business
for start-up businessmen, noncompetitive groups in the labor market
(especially for persons with limited capacities); and reduction of
the unemployment in Armenia through job creation and retention of
existing jobs.

According to the RA Government Information and PR Department, the
prime minister Tigran Sargsyan said the indicated program will be
one of Armenia’s priorities in 2009, while the promotion of small
and medium business is one of the most important anticrisis elements.

RUSSIA, ARGENTINA AND LEBANON ARE BIGGEST INVESTORS IN ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan

Dec 11, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 11, NOYAN TAPAN. Out of foreign investments of a
total of 805 million 341.3 thousand USD in the real sector of Armenian
economy in January-September 2008, Russia was the leader that made
investments of 567 mln 853.2 thousand USD, which exceeded 3.2fold
the index of the same period of last year.

According to the RA National Statistical Service, Argentina made
investments of 78 mln 983.3 thousand USD in the first nine of 2008
(3.1fold growth on January-September 2007), while Lebanon’s investments
amounted to 28 mln 995.3 thousand USD (78.4% decline).

Among other big investors in the real sector of Armenian economy
were Cyprus – 8 mln 655.1 thousand USD (31.8% decline), France –
12 mln 928.3 thousand USD (0.7% decline), the U.S. – 21 mln 895.8
thousand USD (2.6% growth), Germany – 23 mln 707.6 thousand USD
(16.2% growth), Luxemburg – 10 mln 210 thousand USD (4.2fold growth),
Liechtenstein – 24 mln USD (no investments were made by this country in
January-September 2007), Australia – 6 mln 649.7 thousand USD (63.9%
decline), the UK – 1 mln 945.4 thousand USD (82.8% decline), the
Netherlands – 2 mln 621.3 thousand USD (64.2% decline), and Belgium –
2 mln 608 thousand USD (12.7fold decline).

Russia’s investments in communication sector amounted to 150 mln 587.5
thousand USD, in metallurgy – 23 mln 385.3 thousand USD, in production
and distribution of power, gas, hot water and steam – 225 mln 762.2
thousand USD, in provision of other types of services to consumers –
18 mln 409 thousand USD, in recreational sector – 6 mln 161.8 thousand
USD, in provision of personal services – 3 mln 637.7 thousand USD,
and in land transport sector – 136 mln 330 thousand USD.

Argentina invested 48 mln 698.1 thousand USD in air transport sector,
8 mln 611.5 thousand USD – in auxiliary and additional transport
activity, and 21 mln 673.6 thousand USD – in agriculture.

Labanon made investments of 28 mln 659.6 thousand USD in
communication sector. Cyprus invested 8 mln 526.8 thousand USD in
mining industry. France made investments in food industry, including
production of drinks.

Out of the investments made by the U.S, 10 mln 577 thousand USD was
spent on computer engineering-related activity, 3 mln 789.9 thousand
USD – on research and decelopments, 3 mln 763.4 thousand USD – in the
sector of hotel and restaurant services, and 3 mln 183.9 thousand USD –
on provision of other services to consumers.

Germany made investments in mining industry, Australia invested
in metal ore mining. Luxemburg made investments in food industry,
including production of drinks, while Liechtenstein invested in
metallurgy.

In January-September 2008, the UK made investments of 908.6 thousand
USD in publishing, printing, and information carrier copying, and
767 thousand USD – in production of rubber and elastic goods.

ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN TRADE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION DEVELOPS SUCCESSFULLY, RF COMMERCIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO RA SAYS

Noyan Tapan

Dec 11, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 11, NOYAN TAPAN. Trade and economic relations between
Armenia and Russia continue developing successfully. Alexander Zaytsev,
the commercial representative of Russia in Armenia, stated at the
December 11 press conference. According to him, in 2008 commodity
circulation between the two countries amounted to 860m USD, which
exceeds previous year’s index by 19%. Besides, according to A. Zaytsev,
export from Armenia to Russia amounted to 187m USD, import 680m
USD. Over the past 9 months the amount of Russian investments in
Armenia almost doubled reaching 570m USD. A. Zaytsev emphasized that
Russia has made investments of 1bn 800m USD in Armenia since 1991.

Touching upon the world economic crisis, the RF commercial
representative said that it has not had an impact on Armenia’s economic
system yet.

According to him, it has two reasons: the first is that Armenia
has not completely integrated to international economy yet and the
second, the Armenian government undertakes proper steps to avoid
the consequences of the crisis. "Certainly, the crisis will have an
impact on our bilateral programs, but no project has been delayed or
failed so far," A. Zaytsev said.

He found it difficult to answer journalists’ question of whether it
is possible that due to fall in prices for energy carriers in the
whole world Russia will also decrease the price for gas supplied to
Armenia. A. Zaytsev only assured that if indeed price fall is noticed
in the world, Russia will also reconsider its price policy. However,
according to him, today prices decrease not in the whole world,
but in some countries.

EXHIBITION IN ARMENIA TO MARK HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

armradio.am
11.12.2008 18:18

This year’s International Human Rights Day is of special significance
as it marks the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, which represented the first step in
establishing a comprehensive international framework for the protection
of human rights.

Today the Universal Declaration is one of the fundamental texts
establishing respect for human rights as a guiding principle in
international relations.

The year 2008 also witnesses the 15th anniversary of the Vienna
Declaration and Programme of Action proclaimed by the Vienna World
Conference on Human Rights as well as the 10th anniversary of the
adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Declaration on Human
Rights Defenders.

President José Manuel Barroso declared: "I am always struck by the
truly revolutionary nature of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, which courageously stated in the immediate aftermath of the
Second World War that "inherent dignity" and "the equal and inalienable
rights of all members of the human family" were the foundations of
freedom, justice and peace. Sixty years on and against the background
of the continuing critical human rights situation in many countries,
the Declaration remains as pertinent as ever."

Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy Benita
Ferrero-Waldner said: "Six ty years after the proclamation of the
Universal Declaration it is widely accepted as part of customary
international law – testimony to the genuinely universal nature
of the rights it enshrines. But much more still needs to be done
to make every citizen – women and men -aware of the impact of this
declaration, so that its full potential as an empowerment tool for
human rights defenders and promoters of human security around the
globe will be enforced.Today’s celebrations belong to all men and
women who dedicate their lives to defending and upholding human rights
worldwide I strongly affirm that the European Union continues to be
on their side and is fully determined to contribute to promoting and
protecting human rights as an integral part of its external policies".

Vice-President Jacques Barrot added: "Behind the European project
there is a joint endeavour to the strengthening of pluralism,
non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality
between women and men in our societies. The EU is not complacent
with its own human rights record. The protection of human rights
requires a constant effort to extend and update our legislative
and policy initiatives in areas such as the fight against racism,
xenophobia and all types of discrimination. This is our contribution
to implementing every day the Declaration. "

On December 11, 2008 "Armenian Camp: Language and Sailing Sch ool"
NGO organized an exhibition to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Different paintings,
ceramics and photos made by disabled children were exposed during
the exhibition in the Academy Art Gallery in Yerevan.

The exhibition was financed by the European Union.

–Boundary_(ID_IjCdP8tLiUOaVL3dqyrBOA)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RUSSIAN TRADE REP FORECASTS $1BLN TRADE WITH ARMENIA THIS YEAR

ARKA
Dec 11, 2008

YEREVAN, December 11. /ARKA/. RF Trade Representative in Armenia
Alexander Zaitsev does not rule out that the Armenian-Russian trade
turnover will reach $1bln by the end of this year.

"The bilateral trade turnover may reach $1bln – we have yet time
left – but it is not a matter of principle, it may reach $980mln,"
Zaitsev told a press conference at the Novosti press center.

He pointed out that the actual figure may be influenced by the
probable postponement of the purchase of one SuperJet 100 airplane
by the Armavia airline.

Julien Dufour, Armavia Commercial Director, reported earlier that
the first Sukhoi Superjet (SSJ) -100 would arrive in Armenia in
October 2009.

"The likely reason is not the bilateral relations, but the fact the
airplane recently underwent flight tests, and it is only after a
certain period that it may form part of Armavia fleet," Zaitsev said.

He pointed out that the Armenian-Russian trade turnover reached $860mln
January through October – an increase of over 19% as compared with
the corresponding period last year.

Armenia’s exports to Russian totaled $187mln – an increase of almost
20%, and imports from Russia $680mln – an increase of almost 20%
as compared with the corresponding period last year.

Zaitsev said that Russia’s share in Armenia’s fore ign trade
turnover is about 20%, the highest index among the trade partners of
Armenia.

CONVERSEBANK ISSUES 1.5BLN AMD BONDS

ARKA
Dec 11, 2008

YEREVAN, December 11. /ARKA/. Conversebank (Armenia) is issuing nominal
medium-term coupon bonds to the amount of 1.5bln AMD, Ararat Ghukasyan,
CEO, stated at the presentation of the bonds today.

He pointed out that the bank issued 50,000 bonds, the nominal value
of one bond being 30,000 AMD and bond turnover three years. The annual
yield is 10.64%, with quarterly coupon payments to be effected.

"The bonds will be placed in five tranches, with the first, 300mln AMD,
to be placed December 16 2008 through January 14 2009," Ghukasyan said.

He pointed out that this year has been successful for the bank.

Specifically, the bank has implemented all the planned programs,
particularly enlarged investments in the country’s economy, attracted
new clients and consolidated its market positions.

Ghukasyan said that the bank had to consolidate its achievements by
presenting a new instrument, namely, new long-term bonds.

"It is for the first time that the placement of bonds in Armenia
means a program offer for such a long period, three years, which is
attractive to prospective investors as allowing them to make long-term
investments," Ghukasyan said.

According to him, a program issue by means of five tranches will
ensure the circulation of bonds on the secondary market. The Capital
Asset Management Company is underwriter of the issue.

Tigran Karapetyan, Dir ector of Capital Asset Management, pointed
out that the bonds will be listed on exchange for their circulation
on the secondary market to be ensured.

"As underwriter we are ready to ensure the circulation on the secondary
market and plan daily listing of the bonds and guaranteed purchase
and sale," Karapetyan said.

The Conversebank CJSC was incorporated on December 20, 1993. Eduardo
Eurnekian, an Argentina-based Armenian businessman, became holder
of 95% of Conversebank shares, with the rest 5% being held by the
Armenian Apostolic Church. As of October 31, the bank’s total capital
reached 13bln AMD, assets 63.9bln AMD and liabilities 50.9bln AMD.

According to the information at ARKA’s disposal, at the end of the
3rd quarter of 2008 Conversebank registered the sixth largest assets,
customer crediting volume, liabilities and total capital, as well as
the 3rd largest amount of deposits attracted from individuals and
legal entities. The bank also registered the 5th largest profits
this January-September.

Conversebank is currently rendering services by means of the following
international payment systems: Migom, Contact, Blizko, InterExpress,
Leader, Allure and Gold Crown.

The bank has 25 branches, with eight of them in Yerevan.