ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia Wednesday Ambassador: Armenia-EU relations are on the right track Yerevan May 31 David Stepanyan. The relations between Armenia and the EU are on the right track, said the head of the EU delegation in Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski, speaking at the conference "Armenia-EU Relations and Their Prospects" in Yerevan. "Today we are engaged in bringing this path to a proper, final form. I think that until November this year, during the presidency of Estonia, Armenia will have the opportunity to connect to the Association Agreement with the EU. I can say Armenia was the first in the post-Soviet space then, who started a constructive dialogue with Brussels in the direction of integration. The forthcoming approval by the parties of the AA will undoubtedly open new ways and opportunities for deepening the existing cooperation," the Ambassador said. According to Switalski, today Europe is trying to realize its own role in the development of Armenia. According to him, Brussels not only does not pursue geopolitical goals in Armenia, the EU lacks even selfish motives. There is only a desire to work with civil society in the direction of Armenia's withdrawal to a democratic state. The main goal of the ongoing work of the EU, according to him, is deep reforms and peace in Armenia. The head of the European diplomatic mission in Armenia noted that Brussels does not intend to determine the priorities of cooperation with Yerevan on its own. According to him, this work is for the government and civil society of Armenia. At the same time, we are by no means going to neglect the opportunities of the "Eastern Partnership". Brussels considers the continuation of the implementation of this program as a practical and tangible goal. I think that the priorities mentioned in the "EP" 20 priorities fully correspond to the interests of both Armenia and the other partner countries. Actually, Yerevan has repeatedly voiced the intention and readiness for the all-round continuation of the development of cooperation with the EU within the framework of this program," summed up Switalski.
Month: June 2017
Czech companies are interested in implementing projects in renewable energy field of Armenia
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia Wednesday Czech companies are interested in implementing projects in renewable energy field of Armenia Yerevan May 31 A number of Czech companies with significant experience in implementing projects for the development of various spheres in the field of renewable energy held a large presentation for representatives of the Armenian business in Yerevan yesterday. The event was organized by the Czech Embassy in Armenia. "The Czech Republic has accumulated colossal experience in small hydropower engineering, construction and operation of photovoltaic and wind parks, and our companies are interested in cooperation with Armenia, which started serious projects in the field of renewable energy," Czech Ambassador to Armenia Petr Mikyska said when opening the presentation. The head of the energy department of the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources of Armenia, Hayk Badalyan, who spoke at the event, noted that support for the development of renewable energy is one of the priorities in the activities of the ministry. In the conversation with the correspondent of ArmInfo, the specialist emphasized that the government made a number of decisions that contribute to the development of the industry, from temporary exemption from VAT payments (up to 300 million AMD) for import of equipment to light licensing procedures. These measures are aimed at the successful implementation of a large investment program developed by the Ministry of Energy, which envisages the installation by 2020 of several solar stations with a capacity of 40-50 megawatts, which will be connected to the common electricity network of Armenia. The full implementation of the program, according to preliminary estimates, can provide up to 8% of the energy consumed in the country. An important aspect of the success of the program is an important legislative stimulating norm, obliging a guaranteed purchase of electricity from the electricity supply network for 20 years at a comfortable tariff for investors, established by the Public Services Regulatory Commission. The Ministry estimates that the capital expenditures for the construction of one solar station with a capacity of 1 MW will amount to about $ 1 million, which falls under investor-friendly, lightweight procedures. Touching upon the development of solar energy, for which the so-called "solar map" of Armenia was created, Badalyan said that three photovoltaic stations have already been licensed in the country, two of them with a capacity of up to 1 MW and one up to 500 kW. He also informed that within the framework of the investment program of the Ministry of Energy, necessary research has already been carried out in six regions of the country and a tender has already been announced for the construction of a solar station in the town of Masrik in Gegharkunik region up to 55 MW. As a result of its implementation, it is assumed that the tariff for electricity of this large station will not exceed 6 cents per kW of electricity. Present at the presentation of the representative of the Czech company SWH Groop of Armenia, Antonin Kolka, in an interview with ArmInfo correspondent, stated his intention to participate in the tender for the construction of a solar station in Masrik. According to him, the country has created good conditions for attracting foreign investors to projects on renewable energy generation. In addition to the construction of a photovoltaic station, the company, which mainly performs engineering tasks, has several projects for Armenia, including the first project for the country to create a power generation station as a result of processing domestic waste. He noted that the company is waiting for concrete proposals from the government in order to understand the tasks and long-term interests of the state to familiarize investors and search for partners. "With these documents and government guarantees, we can begin the search for the necessary financial resources," the expert noted. He informed about the availability of a preliminary program for the creation of a similar station in the Tavush region, which was also presented at the event. According to initial estimates, it will cost (capex) 30 million EUR, will process up to 54 thousand tons of garbage, issuing 64 megawatts of electricity. Return on investment (ROI) will be provided for 8 years of work with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 13% and an annual profit (EBITDA) of 4.2 million EUR. To note, the peak of the development of renewable energy in the Czech Republic occurred in the second half of the 2000s, the country built over 300 wind farms and about 28 thousand solar power plants, which together generate 2,300 MW of electricity or 5% of all electricity generated in the country. Recently, the government of the country has limited the growth of the scope on an industrial scale due to the excess of the electricity and its impact on the overall tariff policy. However, at the same time, the state continues to successfully stimulate private projects to develop alternative energy for individual needs. Over the next three years on the roofs of private houses in the Czech Republic should appear more than 40 thousand new solar micro-power plants. Restrictions for the industrial development of the sphere (without accumulation) narrowed the possibilities of already experienced engineers in their own country; they turned their attention to new markets, including Armenia, rich in winds and the sun.
Armenian Defense Minister meets with Archbishop of All Cyprus
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Wednesday Armenian Defense Minister meets with Archbishop of All Cyprus YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan on May 30 met with Archbishop of All Cyprus Chrysostomos II, the Ministry told Armenpress. During the meeting Archbishop Chrysostomos II thanked the Armenian Defense Minister for visiting the spiritual center of Cyprus, warmly talked about the centuries-old friendship between the two peoples, the church commonalities, commitment to similar universal values. Chrysostomos II specifically highlighted the role of Armenian community in maintaining the Armenian-Cypriot friendship. Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan thanked for warm reception, highlighting the necessity of developing dialogue between the Christian churches, as well as facing the contemporary challenges through preservation of national identity, cultural and spiritual values. He emphasized the church’s historically unique role for the Armenian people. Vigen Sargsyan also presented the key role of Armenian Apostolic church in army-building works, in the face of spiritual service. The sides agreed that the firm ties between the two churches contribute to strengthening the inter-state ties and deepening the relations.
Armenia’s defense minister pays homage to fallen Cypriot soldiers for independence
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Wednesday Armenia's defense minister pays homage to fallen Cypriot soldiers for independence YEREVAN, 31 MAY, ARMENPRESS. On the sidelines of the official visit to Cyprus, Armenia’s defense minister Vigen Sargsyan laid a wreath at the ‘Filakizmena mnimata’ – (Φυλακισμένα Μνήματα) monument on May 30. The monument is dedicated to the Cypriot heroes who were sentenced to death by the British leadership on the island during the 1955-1959 national-liberation struggle. The monument is located in the territory of Nicosia’s central prison, where the fallen heroes are buried. Minister Vigen Sargsyan paid tribute to the memory of the fallen fighters and left a note in the honorary guest book, the defense ministry told ARMENPRESS. On May 30, the Armenian defense minister also laid a wreath at the monument in Nicosia’s military pantheon, which is dedicated to the memory of the fallen Cypriot soldiers who died during the subsequent military operations as the Turkish army invaded Cyprus in 1974.
Pope Francis congratulates Archbishop Levon Zekiyan on golden jubilee of priestly ordination
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Wednesday Pope Francis congratulates Archbishop Levon Zekiyan on golden jubilee of priestly ordination YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS. Spiritual leader of Turkey’s Armenian Catholic community Archbishop Levon Zekiyan received a congratulatory letter from Pope Francis on the golden jubilee - 50th anniversary of the priestly ordination, Istanbul’s Armenian ‘Zhamanak’ newspaper reports. Although such congratulatory letters are usually sent by cardinals of relevant departments, in Zekiyan’s case the letter was sent personally from Pope Francis with his signature. In the letter Pope Francis said they pray for divine consolation to comfort Archbishop Zekiyan and reward his personal virtues. https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__armenpress.am_eng_news_893016_pope-2Dfrancis-2Dcongratulates-2Darchbishop-2Dlevon-2Dzekiyan-2Don-2Dgolden-2Djubilee-2Dof-2Dpriestly-2Dordination.html&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=LVw5zH6C4LHpVQcGEdVcrQ&m=8nDkaEyHixrOlzE79irKDtyM_k3TWY8tXk4kKZ6oc7k&s=nIJ1r6-mTnEGUKOImIpBn7J6yOabSd_rj1lqt_YbQB0&e=
Armenian delegates give worthy response to Azerbaijani provocations in NATO PA sitting
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Wednesday Armenian delegates give worthy response to Azerbaijani provocations in NATO PA sitting YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS. During the committee discussions of NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s spring sitting the Azerbaijani delegates have continuously displayed a provocative behavior, head of the Armenian delegation to NATO PA, Republican faction lawmaker Koryun Nahapetyan told a press conference on May 31, speaking about the May 26-29 NATO PA sitting in Tbilisi. “The Azerbaijanis were speaking about the same topics which you are very well familiar with. They were speaking about the so-called occupation of their territories all the time. These were responded by clear clarifications by us. We said that it is Azerbaijan which has occupied the Armenian lands: Shahumyan, Getashen, Martunashen. We also noted that our goal is not to respond to the Azerbaijani delegation’s provocative behavior at all. We clearly proceeded from the agenda which was scheduled within the framework of NATO PA’s different committees”, Nahapetyan said. He added that in the PA’s defense and security committee, he asked a question to Georgia’s defense minister regarding the battle-worthiness of Georgia’s armed forces and their actions aimed at complying their military with NATO standards. A question was raised also on expenditures on transitioning to a professional army. “In the defense and security committee, we also raised a question on the consequences of Islamic State terrorist organization’s actions. We have stated that the Islamic State is an equal threat to not only NATO member states, but also partnership countries”, Nahapetyan said. Georgia’s FM delivered a speech in the NATO PA’s political committee, and the Armenian delegate asked a question regarding Georgia’s foreign policy agenda and relations with NATO, as well as Armenian-Georgian ties. Nahapetyan highlighted the plenary session of the assembly, where Georgia’s president, prime minister and speaker of parliament delivered speeches. “I would like to especially highlight NATO deputy secretary general Rose Gottemoeller’s report, which was followed by a Q&A. We used our opportunity to address a question. The question was in regard to prospects of enhancing NATO’s Partnership for Peace program. The deputy secretary general praised the Armenia-NATO partnership relations, mentioning that recently high level mutual visits are taking place and the Armenia-NATO partnership ties are being discussed”, he said. Gottemoeller welcomed the Armenian delegation’s proposal. She said she will discuss this issue in detail in the NATO HQ and they will respond shortly.
President Sargsyan hosts representatives of Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Wednesday President Sargsyan hosts representatives of Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS. President Serzh Sargsyan on May 31 held a meeting with the representatives of the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), including the founders and the members of board of trustees, representatives of consulting council and the fund’s Executive Director, press service of the President’s Office told Armenpress. Executive Director, architect of innovative ecosystems Armen Orujyan introduced the fund’s formation process, the members of board of trustees and consulting council which include leading Armenian scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs throughout the world, as well as the fund’s activity goals and the programs aimed at reaching those goals. Speaking about the fund’s objectives, the Executive Director said they are aimed at coordinating and promoting the activity of Armenian scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs of the world with the purpose to create and develop harmonious atmosphere for technological innovations in Armenia, as well as to mobilize scientific, technological and financial opportunities of Armenian and international scientific communities. The meeting participants exchanged views on issues relating to effective organization of the fund’s activity and discussed the necessary conditions, mechanisms and opportunities to implement the expected objectives, listened to the President’s views and proposals in that regard. President Sargsyan said he is happy that this idea eventually turned into a reality, by forming a council, finding an executive director with the relevant experience and ability to unite potential. Serzh Sargsyan wished good luck to the fund and expressed readiness to assist implementation of this idea that is a part of common vision of Armenia’s development.
Sevan National Park reform and development concept discussed at Government
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Wednesday Sevan National Park reform and development concept discussed at Government YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS. Chaired by Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan, a consultative meeting on the reform of Sevan National Park was held at Government on May 31. As “Armenpress” was informed from the press service of the Government of Armenia, the meeting specifically focused on the draft concept of Sevan National Park reform and development. Acting Minister of Nature Protection Artsvik Minasyan noted that the concept is meant to achieve investment-driven increase in economic activity and tourism in the region based on the right balance of economic and environmental benefits. To achieve these objectives, steps will have to be taken to conserve the Lake as a freshwater basin of national and regional importance, restore and improve the ecosystem’s ecological balance, expand the recreational zone and develop an investment-conducive legal (fiscal) framework that may help address problems related to economic management, environmental protection, urban planning, land use etc. The meeting discussed the stakeholders’ recommendations on Sevan National Park’s management system, lakeside area development vision for 2018-2030 and the proposed investment projects. The Prime Minister was reported progress in the implementation of his previous instructions concerning the activities of Sevan National Park. Appreciating the solutions and approaches set out in the concept, the Premier stressed the importance of clear definition of rules for business operations and issued appropriate recommendations.
Stepanakert dismisses Azeri reports of destroyed fortification
Interfax - Russia & CIS Military Newswire Wednesday 6:19 PM MSK Stepanakert dismisses Azeri reports of destroyed fortification YEREVAN. May 31 The defense ministry of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) has dismissed claims by the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan about a defensive fortification in the conflict zone having been destroyed. "The information about destruction of a defensive fortification of the NKR defense army is untrue. In fact, no serious violations of the truce have been registered throughout this day," the NKR defense ministry said in a statement. For his part, head of the Military-Medical Department of the Armenian Armed Forces, Col. Kamavor Khachatryan told journalists on Wednesday that one NKR serviceman, Alik Avanesyan, was injured in Azeri shelling last Tuesday. "The health condition of the injured serviceman has been described as serious. So far it is not possible to move him to Yerevan," Kachatryan said.
Baku criticizes Cypriot foreign minister for attributing Karabakh to Armenia, says Cypriot Turks have right to self-determination
Interfax - Russia & CIS Diplomatic Panorama Wednesday 6:28 PM MSK Baku criticizes Cypriot foreign minister for attributing Karabakh to Armenia, says Cypriot Turks have right to self-determination BAKU. May 31 Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides's remark to the effect that Nagorno-Karabakh belongs to Armenia encourages Armenia's 'policy of occupation' and is at odds with Nicosia's international obligations, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Hikmet Hajiyev said. "The remark by Kasoulides goes directly against the obligations which Cyprus has undertaken under international law, the Helsinki Final Act and other documents and is an illustrative example of propaganda of the Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan and Yerevan's policy of occupation," Hajiyev said in a statement on Wednesday. "Remarks of the sort harm efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs fostering a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and lasting peace in the region," he said. A number of media outlets earlier quoted Kasoulides as saying at a meeting with Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan, "It would be wrong to compare Northern Cyprus to Nagorno-Karabakh because, in contrast to Northern Cyprus, which is occupied by Turkey, Artsakh [the Armenian name for Nagorno-Karabakh] is historically an Armenian territory." Hajiyev said this remark by Kasoulides is at odds with the opinion on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict maintained by the European Union, the OSCE and the Council of Europe, whose member Cyprus is. "What is more, the Cypriot foreign minister negates his own words by making this controversial statement. I'd like to recall that, while speaking at the January 26 meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in the capacity of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers chairman, Kasoulides said that Cyprus firmly supported the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of states," Hajiyev said. "I should also say that Northern Cyprus is a territory for centuries inhabited by Turks, who also have the right to self-termination," Hajiyev said. "There are also some questions and suspicions about military cooperation between Cyprus and Armenia. Hopefully, the European Union and the OSCE will look into this matter from the angle of military aspects of the conflict," he said.