Month: June 2017

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ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
 Monday


 Richard Giragosian: David Tonoyan to come back to Defense Ministry as
a Head, and Vigen Sargsyan to take the post of Prime Minister

 Yerevan June 12

Marianna Mkrtchyan. Richard Giragosian, the Director of Regional
Studies Center, is sure that David Tonoyan, the Minister of Emergency
Situations and the Ex-Defense Minister, will lead the Armenian Defense
Ministry in the future.

Giragosian described it with the fact that Tonoyan is a professional
military. "After the actual Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan goes for a
higher post, the best candidate for the post of defense minister will
be David Tonoyan, who is a professional military," the expert told
ArmInfo reporter. He accentuated also, that sees two scenarios of the
further situation: " the first one in 2018 the Prime

Minister will be Serzh Sargsyan, whose Presidency will expire by that
time. The second scenario assumes that the Prime Minister will be
Vigen Sargsyan. And the third, most unlikely scenario is that Karen
Karapetyan will keep occupying his post. But this option is possible
only if Moscow implements pressure on Yerevan," Giragosian summarized.

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
 Monday


Minsk mediators and Armenian leadership discussed situation around
Karabakh settlement

Yerevan June 12

Mariana Mkrtchyan. On June 10, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan
received the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Popov (Russia),
Richard Hoagland (USA), Stefan Visconti (France) and Personal
Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk.

As the presidential pres service told ArmInfo, the interlocutors
discussed issues related to the process of peaceful settlement of the
Karabakh problem. The situation was on the line of contact between the
Karabakh-Azerbaijani troops and the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border,
including incidents that took place recently on the front line were
discussed. Participants of the meeting noted the importance of loyalty
to obligations towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict in the
negotiation process, as well as the implementation of the reached
agreements at the highest level.

On the same day, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met with
the mediators, who drew the attention of the co-chairs to the fact
that Azerbaijan not only failed to fulfill the agreements reached in
Moscow between the foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia
in April with the participation of the mediators regarding the agreed
identical text that media published from both Armenian and Russian
sides, but also issued another absurd comment that allegedly during a
meeting in Moscow, the ministers noted not the importance of
implementation of agreements but discussed the agenda of the summit
talks.

According to the Armenian Minister, despite the fact that the
mediators' statement of May 18 - is not the first address, Azerbaijan
continues to ignore calls of intermediaries. According to Nalbandian,
the situation is coming when the countries co-chairs, as mediators,
must not only make statements, but also resort to appropriate concrete
actions in order to curb the destructive and provocative policy of
Azerbaijan.

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
 Monday


 Hrant Bagratyan: there is an extreme need of nuclear power to provide
basic energy of Armenia

 Yerevan June 12

Alexander Avanesov. There is an extreme need of nuclear power to
provide basic energy of Armenia. The former Prime Minister of the
state, initiator of NPP 2nd bloc relaunch in 1995 Hrant Bagratyan
stated in a discussion with ArmInfo correspondent.

According to him, despite the development of alternative and renewable
energy sources, the republic has no option other than nuclear energy.
"We need stable power like Hrazdan HPP and Armenian NPP. However
considering the expensive energy generated by Hrazdan ThPP, the effect
of nuclear power with approximately 7 times cheaper then the energy of
ThPP is more than obvious", he said. According to Hrant Bagratyan, it
is possible to build a solar power plant of 200 MW, which, however,
will depend on the seasonality factor. To ensure the same stability of
the power system and increase its independence, basic capacities are
needed, which includes Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, which sells
electricity to networks at one of the lowest prices. At one time, the
ex-premier continued, precisely because of the importance of nuclear
power for the national economic complex, it was decided to restart the
power unit of the N2 nuclear power plant. "In February 1993, I decided
to restart N2 power unit of the Armenian nuclear power plant, then the
decision was made on the basis of reports prepared by Bechtel and
Framatome, followed by negotiations with Russia to raise a $ 100
million loan to restart the unit," ex Prime Minister said.

In the context of providing stability and security of energy complex
of the country he stressed the importance of implementing the program
at the station on prolongation of the exploitation term of N2 energy
unit, implemented by Rusatom Service JSC, which is a part of Rosatom
SC. At the same time, ex Prime Minister called the authorities of the
country to decide upon the construction project of new nuclear energy
unit, which, according to Hrant Bagratyan, should replace the old one.
At the same time, he continued, it is necessary to create new energy
infrastructures.

To note, TsNIITMASH, an industrial enterprise of the Rosatom. As for
the instrumental survey, the main task of this exercise is to
calculate and confirm the residual life of the equipment using
non-destructive testing methods. In simple words, it is necessary to
check the possibility of further operation of NPP equipment. As you
know, there is a lot of equipment on the NPPA, so the instrumental
survey is distributed for several years, without compromising the
safety and operation of the NPPA. Last year, we started this process;
this year the volume of the surveyed equipment increased by 50%
compared to last year (150 types of equipment) at the request of the
supervisory authority. We hope to finish the instrumental survey
process next year and in 2019. Transfer calculations and conclusions
to the supervisory authority - the State Committee for Nuclear Safety
Regulation. We hope to finish on time, but everything will depend on
the results of the survey and the decision of the Gosatomnadzor. On 30
Sept 2015, Tashir Group headed by Russian businessman of Armenian
origin Samvel Karapetyan and Inter RAO signed an agreement of purchase
and sale of electric power assets of the Russian energy holding in
Armenia - ENA CJSC and Hrazdan TPP. The reason of the sale was the
public discontent about the ungrounded growth in electricity prices by
approximately 16.7% (6.93 AMD per 1 kWh). The Public Services
Regulatory Commission's (PSRC) decision to raise the tariff sparked
protests and the Armenian authorities agreed to audit both the
expediency of PSRC's decision to raise the tariff and the activities
of the Electric Networks. In addition, the authorities and Tashir
Group took a decision to subsidize on a parity basis the raised tariff
for the households and SMEs until the audit is completed. Since August
1, 2015, the daytime tariff for households (from 7 am till 11 pm) has
been 48.78 AMD per 1kWh, while the nighttime tariff has been 38.78 AMD
per 1 kWh.

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
 Monday


Appathurai: NATO all allies will welcome the signing of agreement
between Armenia and EU on deep and extended partnership

Yerevan June 12

Marianna Mkrtchyan. All NATO allies will welcome the signing of an
agreement between Armenia and EU on a deep and expanded partnership.
On June 12, during the press conference in Yerevan, NATO Secretary
General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia
James Appathurai said, answering the question of how the Alliance
relates to the signing of the Armenia-EU framework agreement in autumn
this year.

"NATO allies will be happy that Armenia will be able to use all the
benefits which can give cooperation with EU, as it does with the other
side (European Economic Union-editor's noted)", NATO General Secretary
representative said.

In autumn of the current year in Brussels, during the Summit of
Eastern Partnership, signing of frame agreement between Armenia and EU
is scheduled.

To remind, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and European Council
representative Donald Tusk on February 27 in Brussels announced the
finish of the negotiations on Armenia-EU agreement over new frame
agreement. And on March 21 Armenia and EU initialed an agreement on
integral and extended partnership in Yerevan.

To note, on October 12, in Luxembourg, the Council authorized the
European Commission and the High Representative to open negotiations
on a new, legally binding and overarching agreement with Armenia, and
adopted the corresponding negotiating mandate. This agreement will
replace the current EU-Armenia partnership and cooperation agreement.
The EU is committed to further developing and strengthening
comprehensive cooperation with Armenia in all areas of mutual interest
within the Eastern Partnership framework. On December 7, at the EU
Headquarters in Brussels, Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Armenia and Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the
European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced the
launch of negotiations on the new Armenia- European Union framework
agreement. The first round of the talks took place in Jan 2016. In
late 2016, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian expressed hope
that the talks on the new framework agreement will be over in the near
future.

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
 Monday


Karen Karapetyan and Dimitry Kumsishvili discussed economic
cooperation between Armenia and Georgia

Yerevan June 12

Naira Badalyan. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan in Dilijan,
within the framework of the annual gathering of a subgroup of IMF/WB
countries headed by Belgium and the Netherlands, held a meeting with
the delegation headed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance
Minister Dimitri Kumshishvili.

As the parliamentary press service reports, the Prime Minister of
Armenia and the First Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia discussed
issues concerning the agenda of the Armenian-Georgian relations and,
in particular, economic cooperation. Karen Karapetyan and Dimitry
Kumsishvili touched upon joint programs in various spheres, positively
assessed their progress and discussed further steps. The parties noted
with satisfaction that in recent months the volume of trade turnover
between Armenia and Georgia has been steadily growing and it is
necessary to work consistently in the direction of increasing these
rates.

The interlocutors confirmed mutual readiness to continue active
cooperation in the direction of stimulating the ties between the
business circles of the two countries, attracting investments,
cooperation within the framework of free economic zones and in the
sphere of tourism, deepening intercultural ties.

Exports from Armenia in January December 2016 amounted to 1 billion
782 million 924.7 thousand USD. According to the National Statistical
Service of Armenia, the growth of exports compared to 2015 was 20%. At
the same time, imports to Armenia in 2016 increased by 1.6% and
amounted to 3 billion 292 million 425.3 thousand USD. The volume of
bilateral trade with neighboring Georgia increased by 27.7% and
amounted to 245 million 261.5 thousand USD.

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
 Monday


Volynkin: Armenian-Russian military-border cooperation is of key
importance in ensuring peace and security in the South Caucasus region

Yerevan June 12

Mariana Mkrtchyan. For a quarter of a century this holiday is
important - the Day of Russia marks not only the beginning of a new
era for the Russian state, but also restores the connection of times,
awakens in Russians a sense of belonging to the centuries-old Russian
history and great culture. This was announced on June 11 by the
ambassador of Russia to Armenia Ivan Volynkin at the opening of the
gala concert on the occasion of the Day of Russia.

"We are all part of a society that enriched the treasury of world
classics with great works of art and literature, made a decisive
contribution to the defeat of fascism and the liberation of Europe
from slavery and oppression, created the newest space technologies and
first sent a man into space. And today, Russia is actively
transforming and developing to remain a stable and strong state,
keeping pace with the times," the ambassador said.

At the same time, he stressed that Russia and its citizens highly
appreciate allied relations with Armenia. "This year we celebrate the
25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations - this
solemn date is based on the centuries-old history of friendship and
the spiritual closeness of our peoples, is a solid foundation of
interaction, contributes to the achievement of new results in all
areas of interaction. Over the past 25 years, more than 200
interstate, intergovernmental, interdepartmental treaties and
agreements have been concluded between our states covering virtually
all areas of cooperation. Together we work productively within the
CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Union, coordinate efforts at other
international venues. Russian-Armenian relations have reached a new
level and continue to expand and deepen intensively," Volynkin said.

He stated that Russia is Armenia's main trade and economic partner and
the main investor, major joint projects are being implemented in the
fields of energy, space research, agriculture, industry, information
and communication technologies, transport and tourism. "Russia on an
ongoing basis provides significant assistance to Armenia in the field
of International Development. We actively finance the projects
presented in Armenia by the organizations of the UN system, we are
talking about hundreds of millions of RUR annually directed to social
and economic development, improving the health care and education
system in the republic. On June 9, an open door day was held at the
Russian air base Erebuni. On June 10 in the House of Moscow the solemn
opening of the exhibition of the famous Russian patron of Armenian
origin Hrachya Poghosyan "With love to Armenia and Russia", one family
from Gyumri, which suffered from the 1988 earthquake, was handed keys
to the apartment. It is from such real affairs that the true
friendship of the peoples develops," concluded Volynkin.

The staff of the Russian Embassy in Armenia, performed well-known
Armenian and Russian works at the concert, and the Alexandrov Russian
Army Song and Dance Ensemble performed military and patriotic works.

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
 Monday


Armenian Prime Minister and Rosatom head discussed the implementation
of the program to extend the life of the second power unit of Armenian
NPP

Yerevan June 12

Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on June 12, met the general
director of the state corporation "Rosatom" Alexei Likhachev.
According to the Government press service, during the meeting Karen
Karapetyan stressed the importance of cooperation between Armenia and
Russia in the energy sphere. He expressed satisfaction with the level
of bilateral cooperation.

The sides discussed the process of implementing the program for the
extension of the second power unit of the Armenian NPP. Alexei
Likhachev noted that the work on the block is carried out in
accordance with the established schedule. He added that the program to
extend the life of the power unit of the Armenian nuclear power plant
is one of the most important programs in the energy cooperation
between the two states. Then Alexey Likhachev presented to the head of
the Armenian Government the intermediate results of the work done,
referring to the forthcoming works.

TsNIITMASH, an industrial enterprise of the Rosatom. As for the
instrumental survey, the main task of this exercise is to calculate
and confirm the residual life of the equipment using non-destructive
testing methods. In simple words, it is necessary to check the
possibility of further operation of NPP equipment. As you know, there
is a lot of equipment on the NPPA, so the instrumental survey is
distributed for several years, without compromising the safety and
operation of the NPPA. Last year, we started this process; this year
the volume of the surveyed equipment increased by 50% compared to last
year (150 types of equipment) at the request of the supervisory
authority. We hope to finish the instrumental survey process next year
and in 2019. Transfer calculations and conclusions to the supervisory
authority - the State Committee for Nuclear Safety Regulation. We hope
to finish on time, but everything will depend on the results of the
survey and the decision of the Gosatomnadzor. On 30 Sept 2015, Tashir
Group headed by Russian businessman of Armenian origin Samvel
Karapetyan and Inter RAO signed an agreement of purchase and sale of
electric power assets of the Russian energy holding in Armenia - ENA
CJSC and Hrazdan TPP. The reason of the sale was the public discontent
about the ungrounded growth in electricity prices by approximately
16.7% (6.93 AMD per 1 kWh). The Public Services Regulatory
Commission's (PSRC) decision to raise the tariff sparked protests and
the Armenian authorities agreed to audit both the expediency of PSRC's
decision to raise the tariff and the activities of the Electric
Networks. In addition, the authorities and Tashir Group took a
decision to subsidize on a parity basis the raised tariff for the
households and SMEs until the audit is completed. Since August 1,
2015, the daytime tariff for households (from 7 am till 11 pm) has
been 48.78 AMD per 1kWh, while the nighttime tariff has been 38.78 AMD
per 1 kWh.