Author: Andres-Papazian

WORLD BANK CONFIRMS ARMENIAN INFLATION FORECAST AT 2.5%-5.5% OF GDP, GDP GROWTH OF 4%-5%

Interfax
March 23 2011
Russia

The World Bank has reaffirmed its January forecast for inflation in
Armenia this year at 4% plus or minus 1.5 of a percentage point, and
its GDP-growth forecast of from 4% to 5% the director of the World
Bank’s Yerevan office, Jean-Michel Happi, said at a press conference
on Wednesday.

“The target inflation indicator will be met if there is no energy
or food crisis and the agricultural situation in Armenia is normal,”
Happi said.

It is quite difficult at present to project and manage inflation,
Happi said. The World Bank generally backs the government’s policy for
restraining price growth, as its primary benefit is for the country’s
poorest citizens, he said.

Armenia’s budget for 2011 targets GDP growth of 4.6% and inflation
at within 4% plus or minus 1.5 of a percentage point.

From: A. Papazian

AZERBAIJAN TRIES TO ATTRIBUTE ANY FATAL INCIDENT TO KARABAKH SIDE, NKR DEFENSE ARMY SAYS

news.am
March 24 2011
Armenia

The Azerbaijani side heightens tension in the line of contact spreading
misinformation about the death of an Azerbaijani soldier last week,
NKR defense ministry’s press service informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

According to the report of NKR Defense Army situation in the line
of contact was unstable within recent days. In this regard the NKR
Defense Ministry issued a statement.

“During this period aggressive actions of the Azerbaijani units were
characterized not only by intensity of fire damage, but also variety
of used weapons. In this context attempts of Azerbaijan’s official and
unofficial propaganda machine to condition tension in the frontline
by aggressive actions of Defense Amy are ridiculous.

The recent example of misinformation spread by Azerbaijani Defense
Ministry is a report issued on March 23 which says that two Azerbaijani
soldiers were killed as a result of alleged ceasefire violation by
the Armenian side. This is a regular misinformation presented by the
Azerbaijani side. After a trilateral meeting in Sochi (between the
Presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia) and prior to it, the
armed forces of Nagorno-Karabakh continue fulfilling arrangements on
strengthening confidence-building measures between the conflicting
parties,” said Senor Hasratyan, head of information department,
NKR Defense Army.

“By force of habit Azerbaijan is trying to attribute to the Karabakh
side any fatal incident in their armed forces caused by interpersonal
relations, including cases of March 21 and 23. Doing so Azerbaijan
is pursuing two goals: firstly to hide real situation in demoralized
army from local citizens, and secondly – to present Defense Army as
an aggressive side.

If Baku is really concerned over fate of its guards and rushes to
present any fatality as a result of violations of ceasefire, then why
the Azerbaijani side not only refuses to implement proposals of the
relevant international agencies on withdrawal of snipers from the
contact line, but, moreover, periodically violates arrangements on
conduction of the OSCE monitoring.

It is clear that the Armenian side, unlike Azerbaijan, not only
expresses readiness to implement the arrangements as a gesture of
goodwill, but even today continues to refrain from any attempts
to aggravate tension. We must conclude that tension in the line of
contact between the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh
is a result of non-constructive policy periodically and consistently
carried out by Azerbaijan. This fact first of all should arouse
concern of Azerbaijani society,” the statement reads.

From: A. Papazian

MEETING OF THE FRIENDSHIP GROUPS IN THE PARLIAMENT

National Assembly
Parliament.am
March 24 2011
Armenia

On March 24 the members of Armenia-Korea Friendship Group met the
members of Korea-Armenia Friendship Group being in Armenia.

Greeting the Korean counterparts the head of Armenia-Korea Friendship
Group Hamlet Harutyunyan expressed conviction that the activities
of the friendship groups of two countries would essentially boost
the further strengthening of good neighbourly ties of two countries
and the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation. In that
context the Armenian and Korean MPs highlighted the official
visit of the delegation led by RA NA Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan. Mr
Harutyunyan expressed conviction that thanks to the joint work of
the international community and concerned sides the long-lasting
peace and the re-unification of the two sections of the Korean people
would become possible in Korean peninsula. Mr Harutyunyan considered
important the strengthening of inter-parliamentary relations, the
cooperation in trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural
sphere and the rapprochement of ties, for the fulfillment of which he
considered necessary the creation of relevant legal-contractual field.

Expressing their gratitude for warm reception the guests also
highlighted the necessity of development of cooperation and the
rapprochement of parliamentary relations.

At the meeting the sides discussed issues of bilateral interest.

From: A. Papazian

ARGENTINA READY TO ASSIST ARMENIA IN FORMATION OF E-GOVERNMENT

news.am
March 24 2011
Armenia

On March 24, Secretary of Armenian National Security Council Arthur
Baghdasaryan received Argentinian Ambassador to Armenia Miguel
Angel Cuneo.

The sides discussed issues on improvement of bilateral relations, the
Armenian NSC press service informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. Arthur
Baghdasaryan stressed the two states have great potential for
cooperation in different spheres and expressed hope that the
Ambassador will contribute to expansion of friendly relations between
two countries.

Miguel Angel Cuneo stressed Argentina attaches great significance
to development of relations with Armenia. The evidence thereof was
establishment of the Argentinian Embassy in Yerevan. He stressed
Argentina is ready to provide assistance to Armenia in the field of
information security and formation of e-government.

From: A. Papazian

OSCE MINSK GROUP PRESENTS SUMMARY OF FIELD ASSESSMENT MISSION’S REPORT

news.am
March 24 2011
Armenia

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs presented the Executive Summary of the
report of Field Assessment Mission conducted in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armenian News-NEWS.am posts the text available on OSCE website.

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs conducted a Field Assessment
Mission to the seven occupied territories of Azerbaijan surrounding
Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) from October 7-12, 2010, to assess the overall
situation there, including humanitarian and other aspects. The
Co-Chairs were joined by the Personal Representative of the OSCE
Chairman-in-Office and his team, which provided logistical support,
and by two experts from the UNHCR and one member of the 2005 OSCE
Fact-Finding Mission. This was the first mission by the international
community to the territories since 2005, and the first visit by UN
personnel in 18 years.

In traveling more than 1,000 kilometers throughout the territories,
the Co-Chairs saw stark evidence of the disastrous consequences of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the failure to reach a peaceful
settlement. Towns and villages that existed before the conflict are
abandoned and almost entirely in ruins. While no reliable figures
exist, the overall population is roughly estimated as 14,000 persons,
living in small settlements and in the towns of Lachin and Kelbajar.

The Co-Chairs assess that there has been no significant growth in the
population since 2005. The settlers, for the most part ethnic Armenians
who were relocated to the territories from elsewhere in Azerbaijan,
live in precarious conditions, with poor infrastructure, little
economic activity, and limited access to public services. Many lack
identity documents. For administrative purposes, the seven territories,
the former NK Oblast, and other areas have been incorporated into
eight new districts.

The harsh reality of the situation in the territories has reinforced
the view of the Co-Chairs that the status quo is unacceptable, and
that only a peaceful, negotiated settlement can bring the prospect
of a better, more certain future to the people who used to live in
the territories and those who live there now. The Co-Chairs urge the
leaders of all the parties to avoid any activities in the territories
and other disputed areas that would prejudice a final settlement
or change the character of these areas. They also recommend that
measures be taken to preserve cemeteries and places of worship in the
territories and to clarify the status of settlers who lack identity
documents. The Co-Chairs intend to undertake further missions to other
areas affected by the NK conflict, and to include in such missions
experts from relevant international agencies that would be involved
in implementing a peace settlement.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT PROMISES TO DO EVERYTHING FOR PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF KARABAKH CONFLICT

news.am
March 24 2011
Armenia

In the course of his visit to Shirak region Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan met with family of Hovhannes Sukiasyan, a soldier killed in
the line of contact in January.

He promised to do his utmost for peaceful resolution of the Karabakh
conflict, presidential press service informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

“As a president of Armenia I promise to do everything for the conflict
to be resolved peacefully,” he said adding it will be the best tribute
to the memory of killed soldiers. “They managed to protect Motherland
at the expense of their lives, while we should manage to make peace,”
he noted.

President Sargsyan visited the grave of a killed soldier together
with his relatives.

From: A. Papazian

FILMS MADE WITHIN ARMENIA-TURKEY FILM PROJECT TO BE SCREENED IN ISTANBUL

news.am
March 24 2011
Armenia

Films shot within the framework of Armenia-Turkey film project will
be first screened during the 30th Istanbul International Film Festival
on April 12.

On the whole five films: “Galata” by Diana Kardumyan, “Puppet Theatre
by Canay Ozden, “Don’t Get Lost Children!” by Gulengul Altinas,
“The Master of Doves” by Artur Sukiasyan and “Neighbours” by Gor
Baghdasaryan will be presented, press service of Golden Apricot film
festival informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

ATCP provided production grants for eight short films by joint teams
of filmmakers from Armenia and Turkey. This is made possible by the
support of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia.

From: A. Papazian

OSCE MG CO-CHAIRS CONSIDER UNACCEPTABLE ANY USE OR THREAT OF FORCE

news.am
March 24 2011
Armenia

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs(Ambassadors Bernard Fassier of France,
Robert Bradtke of the United States, and Igor Popov of the Russian
Federation) issued a statement today following their visit to Vienna
where they briefed the Minsk Group and Secretary General Marc Perrin
de Brichambaut on their recent and upcoming activities as mediators
of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

“The Co-Chairs also presented the “Report of the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chairs’ Field Assessment Mission to the Occupied Territories of
Azerbaijan Surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh,” the Executive Summary of
which is posted on the OSCE website:

The harsh reality of the situation in these territories has reinforced
the view of the Co-Chairs that the status quo is unacceptable, and
that only a peaceful, negotiated settlement can bring the prospect
of a better, more certain future to the people who used to live in
the territories and those who live there now. The Co-Chairs intend
this report to be forward-looking — offering all parties a vision
of how these areas could contribute to peace and prosperity, rather
than being a source of tension and conflict.

The Co-Chairs will travel again to the region in the near future to
continue discussions on the Basic Principles, building on the positive
momentum of the March 5 Sochi summit. They also will develop with
their interlocutors concrete measures to fulfill the commitments
made at Sochi regarding investigations – with the participation of
all sides – of ceasefire violations.

Noting the continuing importance of restraint by the sides both on the
ground and in public statements, the Co-Chairs consider unacceptable
any use or threat of force, including against civil aircraft. In that
respect, they strongly condemn the senseless cycle of killings and
retaliations along the front lines. They reiterated their long-standing
position that all sides should prepare their populations for peace,
not war,” reads the statement issued on

From: A. Papazian

FM: RUSSIA SEES STRIVING OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT PARTIES FOR DIALOGUE

Trend
March 24 2011
Azerbaijan

Russia sees striving of the parties of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
for a dialogue. It hopes that there will be no incidents at the
contact line between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops in the future,
the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander
Lukashevich said today, “Russia 24” TV channel reported.

The 9-year-old resident of the Orta Garvand village in the Agdam
region was killed on March 8 as a result of a ceasefire violation by
Armenian troops. Badalov was shot in the head while playing in his
yard. He was taken to hospital, but doctors failed to save his life.

“The two parties are interested in continuing the dialogue, preventing
the incidents, refusing from violence and developing a general formula
to resolve the conflict,” he said.

He said that the Russian Federation thinks that the parties are ready
to continue a dialogue.

“We have been recently accelerating our work with Yerevan and Baku”,
he said.

He stressed the importance of the presidential meeting in Sochi.

He emphasized that the reached agreements will be the basis for
further accelerating the negotiating dynamics.

After the talks on March 5 the presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and
Armenia made a joint statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. The
document said that the leaders discussed the issues of practical
implementation of the tripartite statement adopted by them during
the last meeting in Astrakhan on October 27, 2010. In particular,
the Presidents agreed to complete exchanging of prisoners of war as
soon as possible.

The document stresses the desire to resolve all disputed issues
by peaceful means and to investigate possible incidents along the
ceasefire line, with the participation of the parties under the aegis
of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen with the assistance of the Special
Representative of the OSCE Chairman.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding regions.

From: A. Papazian

NKR DA: AZERBAIJAN REFERS ITS ARMY INCIDENTS TO KARABAKH

Panorama
March 24 2011
Armenia

“General disinformation. The information spread by the Azerbaijani
mass media, which refer to Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, makes it
evident that casualties being registered in their army have become
more frequent,” NKR Defense Army head of information department Senor
Hasratyan told Panorama.am referring to information spread by the
Azerbaijani party that Armenian sniper shot dead an Azeri soldier.

Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry spread information that Armenian sniper
(direction of Martakert) an Azerbaijani soldier. Yesterday official
Baku spread similar information which was soon denied by Karabakhi
party.

“Azerbaijani party refers the incidents occurring in their army to
Karabakhi party. Defense Army informs that the information is not
true,” S. Hasratyan said.

The strange thing for the incident is that the soldier was killed on
March 21, but official Baku hasn’t approved the information.

To conclude, the incidents in Azerbaijani army have become so frequent
that they are confused to declare the exact figure.

From: A. Papazian