Month: September 2013

SOME $12 MILLION NEEDED TO MAINTAIN AND RECONSTRUCT ZVARTNOST AIRPORT OLD BUILDING

YEREVAN, September 26. / ARKA /. A representative of Armenia’s Chief
Civil Aviation Department, Ashot Azizyan, claimed that the maintenance
and reconstruction of the old building of Yerevan “Zvartnots” airport
will require approximately $12 million. He was speaking at a public
debate on the structure’s future, initiated by the Presidential
Public Council.

A proposal was made to use it foe transit passengers, but Azizyan said
its heating in winter would require significant financial resources. A
sub-commission on urban and construction issues concluded that the
building should be preserved.

In April the Armenia International Airports, a company owned by
Argentenea Armenian businessman Eduardo Eurnekian that runs the
airport asked the mayor of Yerevan for permission to demolish the
old airport building.

Speaking at the debate, the chairman of the Union of Architects of
Armenia, Mkrtich Minasyan, said the discussions should continue until
a consensus is found.

“We have to find a way to save the airport building,” said Minasyan .

According to him, every building in Yerevan , which has cultural value,
must be preserved and protected.

Armenia International Airports runs Zvartnots airport in accordance
with a 30-year concession granted by the Armenian government in 2001.

The owner of the company is a New York-based holding company, in
which 100% is owned by Argentinean businessman Eduardo Eurnekian..-0-

– See more at:

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIAN DISTRICT IN ALEPPO HAS BEEN BOMBED

19:25, 26 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS: On Armenian Nor Gyugh district of
Aleppo have fallen several bombs on September 26.

“Armenpress” was informed about this from its source in Aleppo adding
that the bombs shocked the district spreading fear among the citizens:
fortunately, people were not suffered. What refers to situation in
general in the city the source mentioned that explosions sometimes
take place in different districts of Aleppo.

Reverberating to the problem of bread lack the source mentioned that
already 2-3 days bread producing companies began to work better and
there are not turns for bread any more. Already for several days one
kilo of bread costs 150-200 Syrian liras while a week ago it cost
300 liras.

Since March 2015, 2011 according to UN data because of clashes in Syria
the number of victims exceeds 100 000. Several tens of Armenians were
also killed because of clashes in Syria.

CONFERENCE ABOUT ISLAMIZED ARMENIANS WILL BE ORGANIZED IN TURKEY

20:05, 26 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS: On November 2-4 in Istanbul will be
organized a conference dedicated to problems of Islamized Armenians
in Turkey. “Armenpress” reports that the conference is organized by
Hrant Dink foundation, Istanbul Boghazichi University and “Malatia
HayDER” organization.

Among the key issues of the discussion are those relating to
different problems of Islamized Armenians, particularly connected
with religious and national identity issues. A separate theme is the
issue of Hamshin Armenians. Attention will be paid to gender problems
of Islamized Armenians.

At the meeting will be present wife of Hrant Dink – Rakel Dink, famous
publicist, writer Fetihie Chetin, president of Boghazichi University
Gyula Barbarosoghlu, other famous scientists and researchers.

BAKO SAHAKYAN RECEIVED MEMBER OF THE BRITISH HOUSE OF LORDS CAROLINE COX

20:13, 26 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS: Artsakh Republic President Bako
Sahakyan received member of the British House of Lords Caroline Cox
and accompanying her individuals on 26 September.

As Armenpress was informed from the press office of the NKR
presidential administration, welcoming Caroline Cox President Sahakyan
noted that her 80th jubilee visit was among the best manifestations
of sincere friendship with Artsakh.

For services shown to Artsakh and its people President Sahakyan
decorated Caroline Cox with the “Mesrop Mashtots” order.

The Head of the State rated high the input the Baroness has had in our
republic’s development as well as objective and fair introduction of
the Artsakh issue in various international fora expressing confidence
that hereafter Caroline Cox would continue her humanitarian mission
with the same zeal.

National Assembly speaker Ashot Ghoulyan, writer and publicist, hero
of Artsakh Zori Balayan and other officials partook in the meeting.

Bako Sahakyan also signed a decree on decorating member of the
British Parliament’s House of Lords Baroness Caroline Cox with the
“Mesrop Mashtots” order for services shown to Artsakh and its people.

ARMENIAN RULING PARTY RESPONDS TO SAAKASHVILI: WE APPRECIATE RUSSIA’S EFFORTS ON KARABAKH

September 26, 2013 | 19:15

YEREVAN. – Armenia’s ruling Republican Party of Armenia positively
assesses efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group aimed at finding solution
to the Karabakh conflict, spokesperson for the ruling party Eduard
Sharmazanov told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

His remark came in response to comment on the statement made by
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili regarding Karabakh conflict
and its influence on the region.

“In particular, we appreciate the efforts of the Russian Federation
into finding a peaceful and political solution to the Karabakh
conflict,” said Sharmazanov.

Vice-Speaker of the Armenian Parliament also noted that Azerbaijan’s
non-constructive approach is the only obstacle to the settlement of
Karabakh conflict.

Earlier, addressing the 68th session of the UN General Assmebly,
Saakashvili said: “Do you think that [Russian President Vladimir]
Putin wants for Armenia to win in the conflict against Azerbaijan? No.

This will make Armenia very strong and more independent. Or, do you
think that Moscow wants Baku to defeat Yerevan? No. They do not want
anyone to win; their objective is the conflict itself.”

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: A. Papazian

GERMAN AMBASSADOR CALLS TO DISCUSS CUSTOMS UNION DECISION WITH PEOPLE

September 26, 2013 | 17:52

YEREVAN. – German Ambassador to Armenia Reiner Morell called on
Armenian authorities to discuss the issue on joining Russia-led
Customs Union with the Armenian people.

Before taking any steps, it is necessary to launch debates in order
to discuss why to take this path and explain the position, he said
in an interview with RFE/RL Armenian service.

Ambassador Morell noted that it would be better to discuss the issue
with the civil society representatives, since politics is designed
for people too.

German Ambassador stressed the decision regarding relations with
Armenia has not been made yet. The Armenian side must explain whether
it will be a full membership, association membership or something else.

“When everyone learn about it, we will move forward,” Morell said.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: Baghdasarian

SYUNIK GOVERNOR PLANS TO DEVELOP SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESS

September 26, 2013 | 17:31

The governor of Syunik Region Vahe Hakobyan believes the region needs
to diversify its economy.

“As you know, the economy of Syunik Region relies heavily on mining
companies. They provide about 85 percent of the gross product of
the region, another 10 percent falls on hydropower and 5 percent on
services,” Hakobyan told reporters on Thursday when the region was
visited by President Serzh Sargsyan.

Hakobyan said the goal envisaged by the 2014-17 program of economic
development is to promote the development of small and medium-sized
business.

“President visited a number of new business entities today and
yesterday,” he said.

The region has a comparative advantage in agriculture and food
industry, mechanics, alternative energy.

“We are getting ready to make the investment proposals and submit them
to the private sector. Perhaps, we will organize an investment forum,”
he concluded.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

ARMENIAN FAMILIES RECEIVED 10-DAY NOTICE OF EVICTION TO HOST RUSSIAN SOLDIERS

A group of Armenian families living in the 8th district of Gyumri
have informed Gala TV that they are made to move from their apartments
where families of soldiers arriving from Russia will live. “Last week
they have received notices to move from the apartments to vacate space
for Russian families. We have heard Russian servicemen living in the
neighborhood talk that 3000 families will move to Gyumri in the result
of serious recruitment for the 102nd military base,” Arman Gevorgyan
told Gala TV. Besides Russian soldiers Armenians of Russia also live
in the mentioned district of Gyumri.

The Russian consulate did not comment on this issue. The Russian
embassy said they do not have any detailed information on Moscow’s
intention to expand the 102nd military base of Gyumri.

The spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said the ministry is going
to meet and discuss the issue of these families to make sure that
they are not left in the street. He also said he was unaware of the
reasons for Russia’s intention.

17:51 26/09/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

RUSSIA ORDERS RISK ASSESSMENT STUDY FOR ARMENIA’S ACCESSION TO CU

September 26, 2013 – 19:10 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Russian Ministry of Economic Development ordered a
risk assessment study for Armenia and Kyrgyzstan’s accession to the
Customs Union.

According to the documents, the alteration of the two countries’
tariff regimes must be accessed, as well as those of the other states
to be included in the study.

“The difference between import duties and rates of the CU common
customs tariff creates differences in negotiation terms, thus requiring
a quantitative assessment. This necessitates the assessment of the
price volume of the countries’ import to be affected by the alteration
of the customs and tariff regime, as well as the volume of additional
import duties or losses from the payment of duties,” the document says.

The study should be completed by December 15, 2013. Tender applications
should be filed till October 28, with the results to be announced
November 5.

Armenia completed technical talks on a ‘deep and comprehensive
free-trade agreement’ (DCFTA) with the EU in July and it was set
to be signed at a summit with the EU in late November. In addition
to a free-trade deal, Armenia has been working towards the signing
of an association agreement with the EU, a framework agreement on
co-operation that is seen as a first step towards political integration
with the EU.

However, during a Sept 3 meeting with Russian President Vladimir
Putin, Armenian leader Sargsyan said Armenia is ready to join Customs
Union, with further plans to be involved in formation of the Eurasian
Economic Union.

Mr. Putin supported the initiative, voicing readiness to assist Armenia
in the process. He also noted that Russian Railways may invest 15
billion rubles in development of Armenia’s railway network.

The Customs Union was formed in 2010 to include of Belarus, Kazakhstan,
and Russia; Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan later expressed willingness to
join the Union.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA’S PRESIDENT NOMINATES GEVORG KOSTANYAN FOR POST OF PROSECUTOR GENERAL

13:50, 26 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS. The issue of appointing the
incumbent Military Prosecutor of the Republic of Armenia Gevorg
Kostanyan on the position of Prosecutor General of the Republic of
Armenia will be included in the agenda of the four-day session of
the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, which is scheduled
to launch on September 30. The Head of the Information and Public
Relations Department of the National Assembly of the Republic
of Armenia Gohar Poghosyan stated this in a conversation with
“Armenpress”.

Former prosecutor general Aghvan Hovsepian resigned on September
13 of the current year. In accordance with the article 103 of the
Constitution of Armenia, the candidacy for prosecutor general is
recommended by the president and approved by the National Assembly for
a six year term. One and the same person can not serve as prosecutor
general for more than two consecutive terms.

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