Author: Andres-Papazian

MCC CEO impressed by results of program in Armenia

May 5, 2011 – 14:24 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan received Millennium Challenge
Corporation Chief Executive Officer Daniel Yohannes, who arrived in
the country to familiarize himself with the results of a five-year
program of Millennium Challenge Account-Armenia.

Mr. Sargsyan expressed gratitude to MCC for the assistance provided to
Armenia, labeling the program of Millennium Challenge Account-Armenia
as one of the most successful ones in the republic, the RA
presidential press service reported.

`I arrived in Armenia to witness the progress recorded over the past
five years. I had the opportunity to meet with beneficiaries and land
users, as well as visit those regions, where water channels were
rehabilitated. I am impressed by the results,’ said Yohannes.

According to him, the investments have resulted in positive changes,
which are notable also for the people.

From: A. Papazian

Only Robert Kocharian can create third political force, expert says

May 5, 2011 – 14:48 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

Only second Armenian President Robert Kocharian has a capability of
creating the third political force, a political expert said.

As Suren Surenyants told a news conference in Yerevan, other political
forces in Armenia, who meant to use the struggle to achieve their
goals, have nothing to gain from a dialogue between the authorities
and Armenian National Congress (ANC)

As political expert Yervand Bozoyan, in turn, noted, Armenia needs new
political force to practice a new approach to the settlement of
existing problems. `Despite the struggle, ANC and the authorities do
not suggest a solution to current problems,’ he stressed.

From: A. Papazian

Amnesty International demands immediate release of Azerbaijani activist

May 5, 2011 – 14:51 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

Authorities in Azerbaijan must immediately release a member of an
opposition youth organization sentenced to two and a half years in
prison on fabricated drug charges, Amnesty International said.

Jabbar Savalan, a member of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party’s
(APFP) youth group, was apparently targeted for using Facebook to call
for a `Day of Rage’ inspired by protests in the Middle East and North
Africa.

From: A. Papazian

Yeghiazaryan: Armenia mustn’t set hopes on international community in
Karabakh issue

May 5, 2011 – 15:02 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

To follow Turkey’s suit of interfering in Karabakh conflict
settlement, Armenia can express its support for the struggle for
Turkey’s Kurds rights, according to Arabo detachment commander.

As Manvel Yeghiazaryan told a news conference in Yerevan, Armenia
mustn’t set its hopes on the international community where Karabakh
conflict settlement is concerned.

`Bitter experience proves Armenia has only itself to count on,’ the
commander stressed.

From: A. Papazian

Armenia to host Besson’s The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele
Blanc-Sec film screening

May 5, 2011 – 15:13 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

On May 6-7, Yerevan and Gyumri will host 3 exclusive screenings of Luc
Besson’s The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec film.

The events were organised by French Embassy in Armenia and Moscow
cinema, with personal assistance of Luc Besson and Europacorp
production.

Jacky Nercessian, starring as Professor Esperandieu, will attend the
event, as well as have a meeting with film art students on May 6.

The entrance to screenings is free.

From: A. Papazian

Iranian Parliament raises military budget by USD3 billion

May 5, 2011 – 16:26 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

The Iranian Parliament has passed a bill on raising the military
budget by USD3 billion, Chairman of the Research Center of the Iranian
Parliament Ahmed Tavakkol said.

The sum will come from oil exports. The initiative to increase the
budget came from the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute predicted that
the Iranian military budget will exceed $7 billion in 2010.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies in London said that
Iran spent $7 billion on military purposes in 2007, Trend News
reported.

From: A. Papazian

WhoCares music band album to be presented in Yerevan

May 5, 2011 – 16:22 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

On May 6, Yerevan’s Armenia Marriott hotel will host a presentation of
WhoCares music band album, created by Deep Purple lead singer Ian
Gillan and Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi.

New music video will also be featured at the presentation. The
proceeds from album sale will be allocated to reconstruction of No.6
music school in Gyumri.

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan will attend the presentation.

From: A. Papazian

Lithuanian President tours Yerevan Brandy Company

May 5, 2011 – 17:44 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

On May 5, as part of her working visit to Armenia, Lithuanian
President Dalia GrybauskaitÄ – toured Yerevan Brandy Company (YBC).

The delegation led by GrybauskaitÄ – visited the Ageing Cellar of YBC,
where she was briefed on the history and production facilities of
Ararat Armenian brandy.

The Lithuanian President stopped at the Peace Barrel founded in 2001
in honor of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs who visited the factory in
2001. The barrel is called `Peace’ as it will be opened when the
Karabakh conflict is resolved.

According to a tradition, YBC presented GrybauskaitÄ – with a 400-liter
barrel full of brandy spirit. She is the 20th President who has a
personal barrel in Yerevan Brandy Company.

It is noteworthy that YBC, the exclusive producer of Ararat brandies,
exports more than 100 000l of brandy to the Baltic States.

From: A. Papazian

Motherland defenders awarded on Shushi Liberation anniversary threshold

May 5, 2011 – 16:10 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

On May 5, on the threshold of the Victory Day, the Day of the NKR
Defense Army and 19th anniversary of the Liberation of Shushi,
President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan signed several
decrees.

For personal bravery shown during the defense of the motherland, 19
individuals, 5 of them posthumously were awarded with the Medal of
Valor.

For successful performance of combat missions, raising combat
readiness of the forces as well as courage shown while defending state
borders’ 460 individuals, 26 of them posthumously were awarded with
the Distinguished Service Medal.

For personal bravery shown during the battles for the liberation of
Soushi, 26 individuals, one of them posthumously, were awarded with
the Medal for Liberation of Shushi, Central Information Department at
the Office of the Artsakh President reported.

From: A. Papazian

Law penalizing racist statements enacted in France since 2008, Justice
Minister says

May 5, 2011 – 15:40 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

French Minister of Justice Michel Mercier said they remember all
provisions of the criminal legislation, which can be implemented. A
circular will be sent to all prosecutors this week, it will envisage a
punishment for insulting members of the Armenian community, Mercier
said after a French Senate sitting.

The French Senate on May 4 did not consider the resolution that if
passed would criminalize the denial of the Armenian Genocide in
France. With a vote 196 to 74, the senate blocked a formal debate on
the issue.

Mercier also noted that a law penalizing racist statements has been
enacted in France since 2008. `Provisions of the law were discussed
during a meeting between representatives of the Armenian community
with President Sarkozy. The government will not stay aside – the
Armenian Genocide is a recognized fact for us,’ AFP quoted Mercier as
saying.

From: A. Papazian