Month: November 2009

NKR MFA FORWARDS THE TEXT OF THE NKR PARLIAMENT’S STATEMENT TO THE OSCE SECRETARIAT

armradio.am
30.11.2009 17:59

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
has forwarded the text of the November 25, 2009 statement of the NKR
National Assembly to the OSCE Secretariat for distributing it among
the participants of the meeting of the OSCE Foreign Ministers to be
held on December 1-2 in Athens.

A corresponding letter was sent also to OSCE Chairman-in-Office George
Papandreou, and a copy of it – to the Personal Representative of the
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk.

The statement was adopted by the NKR National Assembly because
of the aggressive policy of official Baku in the process of the
Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict settlement, Press Service of the NKR
Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.

YSU HOSTS AN EVENT DEDICATED TO THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BERLIN WALL FALL
Anna Nazaryan

"Radiolur"
30.11.2009 18:26

An exhibition dedicated to 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin
Wall was launched at the Yerevan State University today.

The opening ceremony was attended by German Ambassador to Armenia
Hans-Jochen Schmidt, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Karine Ghazinyan,
French Ambassador to Armenia Serge Smessov, representatives of the
US and Russian Embassies. They presented the role of their countries
in the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The participants agreed that the fall of the Wall played a critical
role in the further development of European cooperation.

"The citizens of the German Democratic Republic had enough will to
accomplish a peaceful revolution. It is through their efforts that
Germany was reunited," Ambassador Schmidt said.

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister, ex-Armenian Ambassador to Germany
Karine Ghazinyan stressed that the fall of the Berlin Wall could
serve as an example for the fall of another invisible wall – the
closed Armenian-Turkish border.

According to her, the Armenian-Turkish dialogue is targeted at the
removal of this invisible wall, while any preconditions will hinder
the dialogue.

"If Turkey is really sincere, it should ratify the protocols," Karine
Ghazinyan said.

OPENING OF TURKISH-ARMENIAN BORDER WILL HAVE POSITIVE EFFECT ON BOTH COUNTRIES’ ECONOMIES: EBRD

ARKA
Nov 30, 2009

YEREVAN, November 30, /ARKA/. Valeriu Razlog, head of the European
Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Yerevan Office, said
the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border will have a positive effect
on both countries’ economies.

‘Armenia and Turkey have shares in EBRD and are its beneficiaries. I
think the opening of the border will have a positive impact both on
Armenian and Turkish economies,’ he said in an interview with ARKA.

In his opinion, the regional integration and cooperation are positive
factors for any investor. He said the EBRD believes that the open
border will have positive influence on bilateral trade and investments.

Valeriu Razlog said once the border opens Armenia will become a
railway and motorway transit country and will also get additional
energy opportunities.

Turkey and Armenia have had no diplomatic ties since Armenia became
independent from the Soviet Union in 1991. Turkey closed its border
with Armenia in 1993 in a show of support for its ally, Azerbaijan,
which had a dispute with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, the ethnic
Armenian enclave of Azerbaijan.

There are several sensitive issues complicating the establishment of
normal relations between the two countries, particularly, Ankara’s
blatant support of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
resolution process and Turkey’s refusal to acknowledge the mass
killings of Armenians in the last years of the Ottoman Empire as
a genocide.

On October 10 Armenia and Turkey signed two protocols on establishment
of diplomatic relations and development of bilateral relations,
which yet need to be ratified by both countries’ parliaments.

"Of course, we want to help Armenia and Turkey implement regional
projects; we are ready to help both improve their road infrastructure,
communications and railways. We are ready to consider any project
that will help both countries’ integration,’ he said.

He said the opening of the border will lead to increasing investments
in different sectors of Armenian economy and raise its attraction
for foreign investors.

"I hope to see Turkish investments in Armenia and Armenian investments
in Turkey,’ he said.

The EBRD expects its commitments in Armenia to reach approximately
$150 million by the end of 2009 from $75 million in 2008. To date the
EBRD has invested over 335 million Euros across more than 70 projects
in various sectors of the Armenian economy.

PRESIDENT: ARMENIA TO TAKE ADEQUATE STEPS IN CASE TURKEY DELAYS RATIFICATION

ARKA
Nov 30, 2009

YEREVAN, November 30. / ARKA /. Armenia will take the appropriate
steps in case of delaying the ratification of the Armenian-Turkish
protocol by Turkey, President of Armenia, Chairman of the Republican
Party of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said on Saturday, speaking at the
congress of the Republican Party.

According to the President, today, when the Armenian-Turkish protocols
have been already signed we can say with great confidence that although
the parties are still in the beginning of the process and protocols
must still be ratified and fully implemented, unequivocally, that
managed to "break the ice" and make substantial progress in relations
with Turkey.

"It certainly will facilitate political and economic development of
our two countries, as well as regional cooperation, strengthening
stability and peace in the region," Sargsyan said.

He noted that currently the protocols are in the process of
ratification by the parliaments.

"It’s a process which should reflect the seriousness of the
positions of the parties, the credibility of their word and sense
of responsibility as a mirror. Armenia’s respects the international
obligations and has the dignity in their words, I hope that Turkey
will also be guided by such principles," the president said.

The head of the state noted that in these respects, the principle
of the reasonable time frame should be taking place, and if Turkey
delays the ratification process, Armenia will take appropriate steps
followed by the international law without interruptions.

"At the same time, Armenia is ready to effectively continue the
process. I have already appealed to the Constitutional Court to discuss
the relevant protocols of the Constitution of Armenia," Sargsyan said.

The foreign ministers of Armenia and Turkey, Edward Nalbandyan
and Akhmed Davutoglu signed the protocol on establishing diplomatic
relations and the protocol for the development of bilateral relations
on October 10 in Zurich.

After the signing, the documents must be approved by the parliaments
of both countries.

Turkey and Armenia have had no diplomatic ties since Armenia became
independent from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 in a show of support
for its ally, Azerbaijan, which had a dispute with Armenia over
Nagorno-Karabakh, the ethnic Armenian enclave of Azerbaijan.

There are several sensitive issues complicating the establishment of
normal relations between the two countries, particularly, Ankara’s
blatant support of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
resolution process and Turkey’s refusal to acknowledge the mass
killings of Armenians in the last years of the Ottoman Empire as
genocide.

The thaw in the strained relations began in 2008 September after
Turkish president Abdullah Gul arrived in Armenia, at his counterpart’s
invitation, to watch together with Serzh Sargsyan the 2010 World Cup
qualifying football game between the two countries’ national teams.

During that visit the two presidents discussed prospects for engaging
in dialogue and normalization of relations.

ARMENIA’S AGRICULTURAL GDP IN JAN.-OCT. FALLS BY 0.8% TO 477.1 BILLION DRAMS

ARKA
Nov 30, 2009

YEREVAN, November 30, /ARKA/. Armenia’s agricultural GDP in the first
ten months of 2009 fell by 0.8% from a year before to 477.1 billion
Drams, the country’s National Statistical Service told ARKA. According
to official figures, livestock sector dropped by 3.4% to 162.2 billion
Drams, while plant growing sector grew by 0.6% to 314.9 billion Drams.

The National Statistical Service said also sale of meat (including
chicken meat) in live weight dropped by 5.9% to 90,000 tons. The
province of Gegharkunik accounted for 15.5% of all meat sales.

Production of milk dropped by 8% to 560,000 tons. The province of
Gegharkunik accounted for 105,900 tons. Production of eggs rose by
12.8% to 544 million pieces. The leader was Kotayk province producing
148.6 million eggs. ($1 – 386 Drams).

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NAGORNY KARABAKH REPUBLIC FOREIGN MINISTRY SENDS NKR PARLIAMENT’S STATEMENT TO OSCE SECRETARIAT

ArmInfo
2009-11-30 11:00:00

ArmInfo.The NKR Foreign Ministry has sent the text of the NKR
Parliament’s statement adopted on November 25 to the OSCE Secretariat
to distribute it among the participants of the upcoming OSCE
Ministerial Council in Athens on Dec 1-2.

The NKR Foreign Ministry told ArmInfo a relevant letter has been sent
to OSCE CiO George Papandreou and a copy of the letter to OSCE CIO
Personal Representative Andrzej Kasprzyk.

The NKR National Assembly adopted the above statement in connection
with the aggressive policy of official Baku in settlement of the
Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict.

ARMENIAN AND AZERBAIJANI FOREIGN MINISTERS TO MEET IN ATHENS TODAY

ArmInfo
2009-11-30 15:41:00

ArmInfo. Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan Edward Nalbandyan
and Elmar Mammadyarov, as well as OSCE MG cochairmen will meet today,
Head of the Mass Media Relations Department of Armenia’s Foreign
Ministry Tigran Balayan told ArmInfo. The meeting will start at about
7:00 by Yerevan time.

To recall, the meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign
ministers will be held in Athens, where the foreign ministers arrived
at to take part in OSCE Foreign Ministerial Council session on
December 1-2.

COLLEAGUES OF HEAD OF ARMENIA’S POLICE DO NOT CONFIRM RUMOURS ABOUT HIS RESIGNATION

ArmInfo
2009-11-30 10:57:00

ArmInfo. Head of Armenia’s Police Alik Sarkisyan has recently handed
in resignation, Hraparak newspaper writes.

However, this information is not confirmed in Armenia’s Police. As
the Police told ArmInfo, there are no official data and rumours in
this respect.

According to the newspaper’s data, possible resignation of the head
of Police, by hearsay, is related to ‘discontent with his activity in
the presidential machinery’. The newspaper indicates some candidates
for this position, among which: Major-General Nerses Nazaryan,
Major-General of Justice Ashot Giziryan, deputy Head of Police,
Lieutenant-General Hovhannes Hunanyan and others.

Nevertheless, the article says, it is yet unknown whether
A. Sarkisyan’s resignation will be accepted.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ARMENIAN POPULATION’S BIG INTEREST IN ‘COMPUTER FOR ALL’ PROGRAM, ITS SCALE MAY BE INCREASED AT THE MAIN STAGE

ArmInfo
2009-11-30 15:33:00

ArmInfo. Taking into account Armenian population’s big interest in
"Computer for All" program, its scale may be increased at the main
stage, Bagrat Yengibaryan, Director of the Enterprise Incubator
Foundation (EIF) implementing the coordination of the program, told
journalists, Monday.

At the moment, in course of the pilot stage of program launched on 17
September, 15 thsd computers have been sold as against the targeted
500. "We are glad to point out the population’s attention to the
program now though it is still implemented only in Yerevan, Gyumri
and Vanadzor",- Yengibaryan said. He recalled that already 6 shops
take part in the program, 6 more shops may shortly join them, Taking
into account this interest, at the main stage of the program the sales
volume may be increased from the targeted 5 to 12-15 thsd per year.

Negotiations on provision of 1-month free internet together with
the purchased computer are currently being held with three Armenian
internet providers. Afterwards the customers decide whether to
continue using the services of the given provider on the commercial
basis. The price policy outside large cities, as well as the issue of
e-content installed on the computers are still to be addressed. To all
appearances, it will be necessary to hold computer training courses
within the frames of the program, Yengibaryan said. Furthermore,
at present 3 commercial banks (currently ACBA Credit Agricole Bank
participates in the program) are negotiating on joining the program.

Yengibaryan added that any party concerned may participate in the
program, and the organizers are ready to discuss the proposals. In
particular, during the visit of the Armenian delegation to the
Silicon Valley in early November negotiations were held with
the representatives of Intel company, and a week ago – with the
representatives of Samsung (to recall, Hewlett-Packard out of computer
producers is currently participating in the program). According
to the EIF director, the participation of several companies will
allow segmenting the program with due regard for various groups of
population. For instance, Intel’s participation in the international
program "One Laptop per Child" may serve a basis for cooperation in
Armenia in the sphere of sale of computers for schoolchildren. "The
only condition we lay down for the producers of computer facilities
is that the sale of computers is to meet the criteria of our program
and slightly differ from the work of common resale companies", he said.

To recall, the program "Computer for All" was launched in Armenia on 17
September 2009. Within the frames of the program, computers are sold
to the population via a bank loan. The organizers of the program are
EIF, Armenian Economy Ministry. Microsoft Armenian Country Office,
ACBA Credit Agricole Bank participate in the program. To take part
in the program as a sale point one should have experience in selling
computers and electronic appliances, spacious and conformable premises
for sale and a number of other criteria. The details are available
at

ARMENIAN SHOW-BUSINESS – AGAINST AIDS

ArmInfo
2009-11-28 22:53:00

ArmInfo. Representatives of Armenian show-business have united to
fight against AIDS.

Events, dedicated to the World AIDS Day, will be held on December 1
in Yerevan, the first of which will become an exhibition of works of
a photo-artist Karen Grigoryan named ‘Say NO to AIDS!’. Well-known
representatives of the Armenian show-business have become heroes
of the photographs, among which Shushan Petrosyan, Andre, Arsen
Grigoryan, Hasmik Karapetyan and Tigran Petrosyan. Video-films and
clips, dedicated to the problem of AIDS, will be shown within the
frames of the exhibition, as well as contraceptives and information
booklets will be distributed free-of charge.

The events are assisted by UNAIDS and SAMSA public organizations.