Month: November 2009

JAPAN APPRECIATES THE PROCESS OF ARMENIA-TURKEY NORMALIZATION

armradio.am
26.11.2009 12:12

While in Tokyo, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian had a
meeting with his Japanese counterpart Katsuya Okada. At the meeting,
the two Ministers discussed a wide range of issues, including the
bilateral relations and international issues of mutual interest.

Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing political dialogue
and economic relations between Japan and Armenia, through identifying
and encouraging mutually beneficial initiatives in various areas of
cooperation. To this end, both sides decided to hold regular bilateral
consultations between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries in
order to discuss a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations
and all aspects of other international issues of common interest.

The parties also referred to the importance of enhancing cooperation
between the two Parliaments of the two countries.

Both sides underlined the importance of contacts between the business
circles of the two countries including reciprocal visits in order
to facilitate trade and investments between the two countries and
expressed expectations that the business relations would be further
strengthened. The Armenian side appreciated the activities of Japanese
companies in Armenia and welcomes the expansion of their presence.

The interlocutors shared the view that the strengthening of people-to-
people and cultural exchange between the two countries is an important
factor in fostering mutual understanding and decided to enhance
cooperation in the field of science and education.

The Armenian side expressed its gratitude for the Official Development
Assistance (ODA) consistently provided by Japan for the economic
development of Armenia including the Japanese ODA loan of "Yerevan
Combined Cycle Co-generation Power Plant", and Grant Assistance for
Underpriviledged Farmers and the Project for Improvement of Fire
Fighting Equipment in Yerevan City, expressed its expectation for
the continuation of this cooperation.

The sides exchanged their views on the efforts to settle the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the OSCE Minsk Group process and
expressed support for the peaceful solution of the conflict based
on the principles and norms of the international law, including the
principles of Non-Use of force, Self-Determination of Peoples and
Territorial Integrity.

The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Japan exchanged their views of
Armenian-Turkish normalization process. The Japanese side welcomed
the efforts aimed at normalization of the relations between Armenia
and Turkey shown in signing of Armenian- Turkish protocols in Zurich
on October 10, 2009, and underlines the importance of ratification
and implementation of the reached agreements which would lead to the
peace and stability in the region.

Both sides expressed their expectations for close cooperation at
UN bodies and international organizations by maintaining balanced
approach for the sake of enduring security, lasting peace and common
prosperity in Europe and the Asia-Pacific Region. Both sides further
expressed their determination to work together actively for an early
realization of the United Nations Security Council reform, including
the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership. In
this connection, the Armenian side reiterated its strong support for
Japan’s permanent membership of the Security Council., and in return
the Japanese side expressed its deep appreciation for the support.

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN TO ATTEND EURASEC SITTING IN MINSK

armradio.am
26.11.2009 13:21

President Serzh Sargsyan is leaving for Minsk today to participate
in the sitting of the Interstate Council of the Eurasian Economic
Community (EurAsEC). Armenia holds an observer’s status in the
organizations.

The delegation headed by President Sargsyan comprises the Minister of
Finance, Tigran Davtyan, the Minister of Transport and Communication,
Gurgen Sargsyan, other officials.

NKR PARLIAMENT POINTS TO THE NON-CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH OF AZERBAIJAN

armradio.am
26.11.2009 14:18

"Recent developments in the Karabakh conflict resolution process
demonstrate Azerbaijan’s obvious non-constructive approach," NKR
National Assembly said in a statement.

"By using various propaganda methods, the Azeri leadership is creating
the illusion of dissatisfaction with the internationally mediated
process. In reality, however, the policies of that country aim to
shift the military and political balance in the region in its favor
by unveiled threats of future war against Artsakh."

Under these circumstance the Artsakh parliament, characterizes recent
public statements by high-ranking officials as an uncompromising
posturing for a party to the negotiations. This is rife with
possibilities for the Karabakh side to lose confidence in the peaceful
resolution of the conflict.

The authorities of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, on numerous
occasions, have warned international organizations and stakeholders
in the conflict resolution process of Azerbaijan’s military-leaning
foreign policy, which completely contradicts the responsibilities, to
which that country has agreed while becoming a members of international
organizations.

All of this points to official Baku’s intentions to derail the
negotiations and undermine the stability of the region, through
continued propaganda about alleged tensions in the Karabakh-Azerbaijan
borders.

The bold steps by Azerbaijan call into question the success of efforts
by the international community to establish peace and stability in
South Caucasus.

Taking note of the will of the people of Artsakh, the National Assembly
pledges it will take it upon itself to initiate efforts in light of
these developments and calls on the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Foreign
Ministry to inform the OSCE Ministerial Council of this announcement
when it convenes in Athens next week.

NEW VOLUME OF THE BIG SCHOOL ENCYCLOPEDIA ISSUED
Alisa Gevorgyan

"Radiolur"
26.11.2009 15:15

The first volume of the second issue of the Big School Encyclopedia
has been released. The volume includes materials related to history,
language, literature, culture, architecture and other humanitarian
spheres.

The new volume was presented today by the editor-in-chief of the
Armenian Encyclopedia publishing house Hovhannes Ayvazyan, academician
Vladimir Barkhudaryan and Head of the Publishing Agency of the Ministry
of Culture Edward Militonyan.

According to Hovhannes Ayvazyan, the materials have been chosen
in accordance with the academic program. "The publishing house has
already started working on the electronic version of the encyclopedia.

The edition will also be translated into Russian and English,"
he informed.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 20-26, 2009

HIGHLIGHTS:

"PRESS CLUB" CYCLE: POLITICAL PARTIES AND NGOs

DISPUTE BETWEEN "INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISTS" AND IJEVAN MUNICIPALITY WILL BE
REVIEWED AT COURT OF FIRST JURISDICTION

SIXTH SOUTH CAUCASUS MEDIA CONFERENCE ON JOURNALISM EDUCATION

GUIDE FOR JOURNALISTS COVERING ECONOMIC ISSUES

"PRESS CLUB" CYCLE: POLITICAL PARTIES AND NGOS

On November 24, another "Press Club" show went on the air of "Yerkir Media"
TV company. The cycle is produced under Yerevan Press Club project,
supported by the Open Society Institute. The guests of the program host, YPC
President Boris Navasardian were Zhirayr Edilian, Director of Civic
Development and Partnership Foundation, and Viktor Yengibarian, Council to
the Chairman of "Prosperous Armenia" party. The discussion centered on the
role of political parties and public organizations of Armenia in promoting
democratic reforms.

The next "Press Club" show will be aired on "Yerkir Media" on December 1, at
21.15.

DISPUTE BETWEEN "INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISTS" AND IJEVAN MUNICIPALITY WILL BE
REVIEWED AT COURT OF FIRST JURISDICTION

Recently the "Investigative Journalists" NGO received the judgment of RA
Civil Court of Appeal on the dispute with Ijevan Municipality (Tavush
region), who had appealed the decision of court of first jurisdiction for
dismissing its case. As it has been reported, on July 10, 2009 court of
general jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash communities of Yerevan
considered the demands of the plaintiff to be baseless. The plaintiff
demanded to refute the information discrediting the honor, dignity and
business reputation of Ijevan Mayor Varuzhan Nersisian – as seen by the city
administration to be present in the articles "Whose Pocket Receives Money
from Sand Mine?" and "Will the Three Commissions Notice the Illegal Use of
Sand?". The articles were published in "Hetq" online publication (found by
"Investigative Journalists") on May 5 and June 23, 2008, respectively, and
also printed on May 20 and July 9, 2008, respectively, in the supplement to
"Azg" daily, "Transparent Local Self-Government". Besides, the plaintiff
requested the defendant to compensate the expenses of 930 thousand AMD
(about $ 3,100) made for the attorney services (see YPC Weekly Newsletter,
July 10-16, 2009).

On November 13, 2009 Civil Court of Appeal secured the complaint of Ijevan
Municipality, resolving to revoke the judgment of court of general
jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash communities, and to submit it to the
review of court of first jurisdiction.

SIXTH SOUTH CAUCASUS MEDIA CONFERENCE ON JOURNALISM EDUCATION

On November 19-20 in Tbilisi the Sixth South Caucasus Media Conference was
held by the Office of OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. The event
was dealing with the issues of journalism education. The work of the
conference was attended by representatives of journalistic schools, media,
journalistic associations, state structures of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia,
international experts and representatives of OSCE.

GUIDE FOR JOURNALISTS COVERING ECONOMIC ISSUES

A book titled "Covering Economy. Guide for Journalists" was issued (in
Armenian language). The compilers and the publishers of the guide for
journalists, covering economic issues, are British organization "Irving
International Limited" and Internews Media Support NGO. The book was
prepared and published under a project, financed by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of United Kingdom.

When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.

You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]

Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]

Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
_____________________________________ _______
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA’S PARLIAMENT SPEAKER TO VISIT THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

armradio.am
26.11.2009 17:02

On November 26 the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, Hovik
Abrahamyan, received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the Republic of Korea to Armenia, Li Gu Hen (seat in Moscow).

During the meeting the parties discussed issues related to the visit
of the Armenian Parliament Speaker to the Republic of Korea scheduled
for December 2-6. The interlocutors expressed confidence that it
would contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation. In
this context they attached particular importance to the expansion of
trade-economic cooperation, for which it is necessary to encourage
the contacts between businessmen of the two countries.

Mr. Abrahamyan noted that despite the great distance between Armenia
and Korea, the visit provides an opportunity for further reinforcement
of relations between the two peoples. The Armenian Parliament Speaker
emphasized the importance of implementation of programs of exchange
of experience.

POLAND’S NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER DUE IN ARMENIA

armradio.am
26.11.2009 17:15

The delegation headed by the National Defense Minister of Poland,
Bogdan Klich, will arrive in Armenia on November 27.

Within the framework of the visit the National Defense Minister of
Poland is expected to have meetings with the Defense Minister of
Armenia, Seyran Ohanyan, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, Secretary
of the National Security Council Arthur Baghdasaryan, Deputy Foreign
Minister Karine Ghazinyan.

The Polish Minister will also visit Tsitsernakaberd to pay tribute
to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

ARMENIAN IT SECTOR GROWS DESPITE ECONOMIC CRISIS

World Markets Research Centre
Global Insight
Nov 25 2009

The participants of an IT conference held in the Armenian capital,
Yerevan, yesterday concluded that the country’s IT sector has been
growing despite the economic crisis. The conference, organised by the
Competitive Armenian Private Sector Project (CAPS) and funded by the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID), highlighted
the factors that have contributed to the successful development of the
sector in Armenia, including better cooperation between the private
sector and the government, recent customs and tax reforms, the rapid
spread of advanced technologies in the country, and the creation of
educational institutions that generate highly skilled IT specialists.

Significance:Armenia has been hit hard by the global economic crisis,
with GDP dropping by 18%. Against this backdrop, the news of its
expanding IT sector is encouraging for the Armenian government and
foreign investors. Since the mid-1990s the Armenian government has
been taking consistent steps to develop the IT sector. The country’s
17-year blockade by neighbouring Turkey and Azerbaijan due to political
tensions has played a positive role in IT development. The government
has funnelled resources into the IT sector since it is an opportunity
to utilise the highly skilled intellectual pool found amongst the
Armenian population, without having to rely on blockade-impacted
transportation. So far IT remains one of the most attractive areas
for foreign investors in Armenia: there are over 210 IT companies in
the country, 58 of which are foreign owned. These companies export
$70US million in products annually to 20 countries.

The latest entry into the Armenian IT market was the global
communication company Orange. Indeed, even the Russian president
Dmitry Medvedev recently stated that Armenia’s success in the quick and
effective introduction of information and communication technologies,
including universal wireless internet coverage, is a model that Russia
is eager to replicate.

ST. GEVORK OF MUGHNI ARMENIAN CHURCH TO BE RECONSTRUCTED WITHIN A YEAR

armradio.am
26.11.2009 17:40

St. Gevork of Mughni Armenian Church will be reconstituted within a
year, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of Georgia to Armenia, Grigor Tabatadze said at the meeting with
the Secretary of the Armenian National Security Council Arthur
Baghdasaryan.

The interlocutors discussed issues related to bilateral
Armenian-Georgian relations. The parties agreed that there were no
issues in the Armenian-Georgian relation that would not be solved
through joint discussions.

The parties attached importance to the deepening of cooperation
between the National Security Councils of Armenia and Georgia.

Reference was made to issues of Javakhk.

PRIME MINISTER OF ARMENIA CALLS ON GOVERNMENT MEMBERS TO PERSONALLY CONTRIBUTE TO RECOVERY OF SHUSHI

ArmInfo
2009-11-26 18:41:00

ArmInfo. Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sarkisyan called on the
government members to personally contribute to recovery of the town
of Shushi, the prime minister said at Thursday government session.

He recalled that an annual International Fundraising Telethon of
Hayastan All Armenian Fund will be held on November 26 in Los Angeles
(USA), and the major part of the funds gathered will be directed to
recovery of Shushi. According to T. Sarkisyan, his Karabakh counterpart
is already in the USA.

"Recovery of Shushi is a matter of national dignity for us. All of
us present here have to take part in the donation and inspire our
relatives and friends by the personal example in order to assure wide
participation. Me and my family will also take part in this donation
and make contributiuon", T. Sarkisyan said.