Author: Andres-Papazian

EDWARD NALBANDYAN: ARMENIAN-IRANIAN RELATIONS ARE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL, AND WE ARE GOING TO DEVELOP THEM

ARMENPRESS
October 21, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 21, ARMENPRESS: “We have dynamically developing
relations with Iran, good economic cooperation, we have implemented
and continue implementing different joint program especially in the
spheres of energy and transport,” Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandyan said today in response to a question of a reporter. He
pointed out that active contacts, mutual visits are taking place:
recently the minister was in Iran and currently the RA prime minister
is going to visit that country, few days ago Chairman of the Iranian
parliament Ali Larijani was in Armenia.

“Our relations are mutually beneficial, and we are going to develop
them,” Nalbandyan said.

“As to the sanctions, of course, the decisions of the UN Security
Council must be respected by all the member states of UN like it
is demanded by the UN Charter. We do not think that it is possible
to reach solutions through force or through sanctions. We hope
that agreements over the nuclear program of Iran will be reached
through negotiations with the joint efforts of Iran and international
community,” the Armenian minister said.

From: A. Papazian

THORBJORN JAGLAND: THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE WILL ASSIST THE PEACE PROCESS OF NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT

ARMENPRESS
October 21, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 21, ARMENPRESS: “The Council of Europe will assist
the peace process of Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement promoting
the establishment of contacts between people,” Secretary General of
the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland said today in Yerevan at a
news conference summarizing the for the future of democracy forum
conducted here. In response to the question of “Armenpress” that
“Azerbaijan violates the assumed commitment to solve the Karabakh
issue in a peaceful way, instead voicing military rhetoric that finds
its reflection directly on the contact line and why can’t the Council
of Europe demand from its member respect its commitments and what
sanctions may be applied against Azerbaijan in case of its military
encroachments? Thorbjorn Jagland first pointed out the importance
of separation of functions of European institutions, noting that the
Council of Europe is responsible only for human rights and democracy
issues and the security is under the responsibility of the OSCE.

“We cannot interfere into the process, we do not have such sources
but reviewing the issue from the point of view of human rights we
call on respecting the human rights in accordance with convention,”
the Secretary General of the Council of Europe said.

There exists OSCE Minsk Group and according to him, the parties
affirmed their commitment to find the solution of the issue within
the framework of the Minsk Group.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER EDWARD NALBANDYAN RECEIVES SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

ARMENPRESS
October 21, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 21, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandyan received today Secretary General of the Council of Europe
Thorbjorn Jagland who participated here in Armenia in the Council of
Europe for the Future of Democracy forum.

Press and Information Department of the RA Foreign Ministry told
Armenpress that greeting the guest the minister highlighted the
conduction of the forum and pointed out that it gave a good opportunity
for exchange of opinions toward the development of democracy in Europe.

On his part, Thorbjorn Jagland, noting that Armenia stands in the
springs of the Council of Europe for the Future of Democracy forum
expressed gratitude to the authorities of the country for the high
level organization of the forum.

Minister Nalbandyan expressed support to the process of reforms in
the Council of Europe, noting that it is necessary for making the
work of the establishment more effective.

With the request of the guest Edward Nalbandyan presented the
recent developments over the Karabakh conflict settlement process,
pointing out that OSCE Minsk group is dealing with the settlement of
the conflict and transferring the issue to other platforms will only
harm the peace talks.

From: A. Papazian

GAGIK MELIKYAN: AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT, BESIDES REPEATING HYSTERIC AND GROUNDLESS LIES, MAKES NAIVE ATTEMPT TO EXERT PRESSURE ON CO-CHAIRS OF OSCE MINSK GROUP

ARMENPRESS
October 21, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 21, ARMENPRESS: “The Azerbaijani President, besides
repeating hysteric and groundless lies, makes a naive attempt to exert
pressure on the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk group, which is a result
of avoiding calling things by their names by the latter,” member of
the Armenian National Assembly Gagik Melikyan said, commenting on
the latest statements of the Azerbaijani President.

According to him, the Azerbaijani realize that sooner or later the
truth will emerge; that is why they go on with false statements in
order to conceal their historical guilt.

“Like in the field of war, in the negotiation process, too, being in
the role of a defeater, Aliyev does his best to doom it to failure
and to put the blame on others. It is noteworthy that nobody treats
this delirium of Aliyev seriously even in his own country.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

ARMENPRESS
October 21, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 21, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan
received today Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn
Jagland and the delegation that was participating in the Council of
Europe “For the Future of Democracy” Forum.

Presidential press office told Armenpress that greeting the guest
the President rated high the conduction of the forum in Yerevan,
expressing hope that effective discussion took place within its
framework. The President of the country highly praised the role of
the Council of Europe in fostering of human rights, democracy and
democratic institutions, pointing out Armenia’s commitment to the
All-European values.

“The defense of the human and citizens’ basic freedoms,
democratic values is the corner stone of the Republic of Armenia
and our statehood. We have passed a noticeable way after Armenia’s
independence. Nevertheless, we clearly realize that we still have a lot
to do and we are determined in passing this way till the end, though
it is said that this way is endless,” Serzh Sargsyan pointed out.

Considering the Yerevan forum a remarkable event both for the Council
of Europe and Armenia Secretary General of the Council of Europe
Thorbjorn Jagland said that he is very happy to see that Armenia is
a good partner in the Council of Europe.

“Of course, we are attentively following the developments taking
place in Armenia. I agree with you, Mr President, that you have
passed quite a long way. The main mission of the Council of Europe
is to help the states overcome that way or as I say the highway. I
also agree that this highway has no end. By the way, we know that on
the both sides of the road in the world there are many obstacles for
the democracy. The more we move forward, the new obstacles are coming
forth,” the Secretary General said.

He highly praised the activity of Armenia’s permanent representative
in the Council of Europe, saying that he supports the reforms initiated
in the establishment.

From: A. Papazian

SPEAKER OF RA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RECEIVES SECRETARY GENERAL OF COUNCIL OF EUROPE

ARMENPRESS
October 21, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 21, ARMENPRESS: Speaker of the Armenian National
Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan received today Secretary General of the
Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland.

Press service of the RA National Assembly told Armenpress that
welcoming the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Hovik
Abrahamyan highly assessed his visit to Armenia and his participation
in “For Future of Democracy” forum of the Council of Europe. The
Speaker of the NA said that the integration to the European family
is among the political priorities of Armenia, and our country is
consistently continuing its reforms directed toward strengthening
of democracy.

Thorbjorn Jagland attached importance to the role of Armenia in the
Council of Europe and to the work of the NA delegation at the PACE,
noting that the Council of Europe attentively follows the developments
running in Armenia and the reforms process. He highly assessed the
policy assumed by the Armenian President and the activity of the
parliament.

During the meeting the changes of the RA electoral code were referred,
as well as issues on Armenian-Turkish relations were discussed.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO OPENING OF THE OFFICE OF “ERICSSON” COMPANY IN ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
October 21, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 21, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan participated today in the opening ceremony of the office
of “Ericsson” company in Yerevan. Governmental press service told
Armenpress that after cutting the symbolic red ribbon of the new
office together with Robert Puskaric, head of Ericsson’s operations
in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
welcomed the guests and noted, “Ericsson Company has gained its high
reputation thanks to its long-term activity and achievements registered
in the sphere of information technologies.

The sphere of information technologies is of primary importance for
the Armenian government, and the company’s productive activity in the
IT market will contribute to implementation of our program. We are
interested that Ericsson expands its activity in our market promoting
competition and bringing new manners of behavior and new standards to
business environment. The opening of the office means that Ericsson
has long-term programs in Armenia, and its clients will be able to
get new kind of services.

” The head of the government pointed out the importance of opening
of the office in student environment, which will contribute to
implementation of educational reforms and ensuring of a tie between the
educational system, science and real section. Referring to the program
on designing a wide-stripe net of cable connection, Tigran Sargsyan
noted, “Implementation of that program will promote the competition on
the one hand, and on the other hand will create such environment, which
will enable to tie educational establishments, schools, universities,
state governing bodies through joint sphere network, and to provide
cheaper and high-quality services to all Armenian communities.

The government will implement suchlike initiatives and programs in
future as well, and the presence of Ericsson in our market gives
confidence that the interest in suchlike programs will be quite big”.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN RECEIVES CHAIRMAN OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF RUSSIA VALERY ZORKIN

ARMENPRESS
October 21, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 21, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan
received today Valery Zorkin, chairman of the Constitutional Court
of the Russian Federation, who is in Armenia on an official visit. He
will participate in Yerevan in an international conference dedicated
to 15th anniversary of the constitution of the Republic of Armenia,
the start of which will be marked on October 22.

Presidential press service told Armenpress that pointing out the high
level of Armenian-Russian relations, the head of the republic noted
that the first state visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to
Armenia appeared to be an additional impetus for strengthening and
expanding those relations in all spheres. The President attached
importance to cooperation and experience exchange between the
constitutional courts of the two countries.

Serzh Sargsyan noted that today the Armenian constitutional court
is one of the most developed state institutes in Armenia and being
only 15 years old, it has passed quite a difficult path, full of
responsibility. The head of the republic referred to the changes made
in the Constitution 2005, thanks to which citizens, too, are given an
opportunity to apply to the Constitutional Court, and now the court
properly defends the constitutional rights of Armenian citizens.

Valery Zorkin said that the constitutional justice occupies an
honorable place in Armenia, and the conduction of the international
conference proves that. Highly assessing the cooperation of the
Armenian and Russian Constitutional Courts, Valery Zorkin noted that
the relations between the courts of the two countries are developing
successfully in international area as well.

From: A. Papazian

SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE MEETS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF PARLIAMENTARY FACTIONS

ARMENPRESS
October 21, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 21, ARMENPRESS: Member of Armenian Republican Party
Rafik Grigoryan, member of Prosperous Armenia Party Naira Zohrabyan
and secretary of Orinats Yerkir Party Artsruni Aghajanyan met today
at the National Assembly with Secretary General of the Council of
Europe Thorbjorn Jagland. Press service of the National Assembly told
Armenpress that with Thorbjorn Jagland’s request Naira Zohrabyan
presented the steps undertaken by the Armenian government toward
the concerns of the latest resolutions of the PACE, pointing out the
spheres where reforms are being carried out.

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe expressed an opinion
that the reforms path Armenia has chosen is correct, but the temps of
some reforms are not sufficient. Mrs. Zohrabyan, agreeing with Mr.
Jagland, pointed out the spheres, where radical reforms have been
initiated. Mrs. Zohrabyan noted that Armenia’s future is to shape a
solid and democratic state, and with the support of the Council of
Europe our country hopes to carry out all the reforms, which are fixed
in the latest reports of the PACE. Thorbjorn Jagland was interested
in two main issues – the issues on the prisoners and press freedom.

The representative of Prosperous Armenia Party provided comprehensive
information on those issues, especially referring to the issue of
“A1+”. Thorbjorn Jagland was also interested in ratification process of
Armenian-Turkish protocols. Mrs. Zohrabyan noted that Armenia will be
ready to continue the ratification process of the protocols suspended
at the NA by the time when there will be a political authority in
Turkey ready to continue the ratification process of Armenian-Turkish
protocols without preconditions.

Secretary of Orinats Yerkir Party Artsruni Aghajanyan noted that
Armenia is a state fully integrated to the Council of Europe and the
strivings of Armenian authorities to develop democracy in our country
are notable. On the same day member of NA Armenian Revolutionary
Federation Armen Rustamyan and head of NA Heritage faction Styopa
Safaryan met with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn
Jagland.

With the guest’s request the Armenian parliamentarians referred to the
political developments of Armenia. Mr. Rustamyan attached importance
to the reforms of the electoral code. The representative of the ARF
said that they have presented a package of proposals on reforms of the
electoral code. Head of NA Heritage Party Styopa Safaryan referred to
the issues of the prisoners, revelation of the responsible figures of
March 1 events, continuation of the investigation and to the reforms
of the electoral code. During the meeting the parties also referred
to other issues of bilateral inetrest.

From: A. Papazian

EXPENSES FOR FINANCING SOCIAL SECURITY IN ARMENIA PLANNED AT AMD 271.9 BILLION IN 2011 DRAFT BUDGET

ARKA
October 21, 2010
YEREVAN

Expenses for financing social security area in Armenia are planned at
AMD 271.9 billion and constitute 27.23% of the 2011 draft government
budget’s spending, Pavel Safaryan, the first deputy finance minister,
said Thursday while discussing the draft budget with National
Assembly’s committees.

He said the government would finance and implement ten social programs
in 2011.

Safaryan said that AMD 39.5 billion in the draft budget was targeted
for family benefits and lump-sum assistance – 14.4% enlargement,
compared with 2010.

This spending enlargement was due to the increase of family benefits
prompted by rise in gas prices.

Over AMD 4.6 billion is earmarked in the 2011 draft budget for benefits
intended for birth of third and follow-up babies. This amount is
greater than that of the 2010. This enlargement was due to the higher
birth rate.

The benefit for birth of first and second baby amounts to AMD 50,000
and the third and follow-up child AMD 430,000.

Safaryan also said that the minimal salary would be raised from AMD
30,000 to AMD 32,500.

Labor and Social Affairs Minister Arthur Grigoryan said that expenses
for financing social sector would grow by AMD 27.6 billion in 2011.

He reminded his colleagues that the program of pension reforms had
already been approved, and the process of introduction of the voluntary
accumulative pension system would start in 2011.

The basic pension size will be enlarged by AMD 2.500 to AMD 28,100.

Grigoryan said that the government would continue paying compensations
for deposits frozen in the soviet-era Savings Bank. It allocated AMD
1.6 billion for that.

The minister said that 34,000 depositors, including 1,700 veterans
of the World War II, would receive their compensations.

The ministry plans to implement new programs on retraining specialists,
employing disabled people and re-equipment of workplaces for them
in 2011.

Some 400 wheelchairs, 1,300 devises for hearing-impaired people as
well as books and copybooks for visually impaired people will be
bough in 2011.

Over AMD 20.7 billion is earmarked in the draft budget for paying
pensions to retired military officers and their families. This amount
is larger than that of 2010 by AMD 601.5 million.

This enlargement was due to increase of the basic pension size from
present AMD 5,800 to AMD 10,500 and medium pension size by AMD 1,100
to AMD 44,700.

More than AMD 8.5 billion is allocated for social pensions. The
amount is enlarged by AMD 2 billion, compared with 2010, because of
the increase of the basic pension size by AMD 2,500 to AMD 10,500.

Over AMD 163.9 billion is intended for paying insurance pensions
(increase by AMD 15.9 billion).

Median size of working pension will be enlarged to AMD 28,300 in 2011
against AMD 25,700 in 2010. M.V.-0—

The Armenian government approved the 2011 draft budget on September 30.

The 2011 budget spending will come close to AMD 1 trillion, revenue
is planned to total AMD 849.9 billion and deficit will amount to AMD
148.6 billion.

GDP growth is projected at 4.6%. M.V.

From: A. Papazian