Author: Andres-Papazian

STATE-FUNDED PLACES ACCOMPLISHED WITH PRIMARY SPECIALTIES

ARMENPRESS
AUGUST 5, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS: State-funded places of the higher
educational establishments of Armenia were accomplished with
specialties, which are considered primary by the state.

Robert Sukiasyan, responsible secretary of the Republican Admission
Committee, head of RA Education and Science Ministry’s department of
higher and post-graduate specialized education, told Armenpress that
the vacant state-funded places were mainly in the pedagogical and
agricultural specialties and they were filled with other specialties,
which are driven by the tendency of development of natural sciences,
arts, Armenology, IT, culture and economy. Robert Sukiasyan says the
vacant places were reallocated in two directions. The priority was
given to applicants, who had equal points, as well as to the higher
educational establishments and faculties of specialties, which are
considered primary.

The lists of applicants, who were admitted to higher educational
establishments, have already been published. Over 11 thousand 500
applicants became students. Approximately 18 thousand applicants
applied to higher educational establishments; 16 thousand of them
got positive marks.

‘No competition is currently intended for the vacant state-funded
places,’ Robert Sukiasyan said. He mentioned that corresponding
discussions will be held if there is a necessity to reallocate the
vacant state-funded places.

From: A. Papazian

NO SMS VOTE DURING SELECTION OF ARMENIAN SONG FOR JUNIOR EUROVISION 2010

ARMENPRESS
AUGUST 5, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS: The information on the Armenian
pre-selection round of the Junior Eurovision 2010 will be published
next week. The deadline for applications is August 5. Diana
Mnatsakanyan, RA Public TV’s advisor on special projects, told
Armenpress that the Armenian pre-selection round is consisted of
several parts, which all will be broadcast on TV. The jury will select
the best songs from the 30 ones. The minimum length of a song must be
2 minutes 30 seconds, and the maximum length- 2 minutes and 45 seconds.

The lyrics of the songs must be written in Armenian. On August 26 and
27 – the first and second days of the pre-selection second round –
the jury will select the best 10 songs from 15 ones. On August 28 –
the third day of the pre-selection second round – the jury will select
10 songs from the 20 ones, selected earlier. The singers of those 10
songs will get the opportunity to partake in the final, which will
take place August 29. The performer/performers of the song, which
will get the maximum votes of the jury, will get the opportunity
to represent Armenia in the Junior Eurovision 2010, which will take
place in Minsk, Belarus.

Diana Mnatsakanyan mentioned that the sms vote was canceled as they
thought that the wealthy families might organize an active vote for
their children. As a result, Diana Mnatsakanyan said, more talented
children or a better song might not be selected. According to her,
this was the reason the sms vote was canceled.

From: A. Papazian

RUSSIAN YOUNG POLITICAL FIGURES TO VISIT ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
AUGUST 5, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS: At the invitation of the Armenia’s
Youth Party young political figures of Russia will visit Armenia.

Leader of the Youth Party Vahan Babayan told Armenpress that the goal
of the initiative is exchange of experience.

“Youth institutions are functioning in Russia for a long time,
we will acquire their experience and they will acquire our zeal,”
Babayan said, pointing out the importance of political contacts
between the young people of Armenia and Russia.

The leader of the party said as a result of two-day conference a
joint statement will be released.

From: A. Papazian

RUBEN HAKHVERDIAN POPULAR IN TURKEY?

news.am
Aug 4 2010
Armenia

“Turkish music companies have begun to move to secure the copyrights
to the works of legendary Armenian artist Ruben Hakhverdian, whose
songs have been popular across Europe,” Turkish Hurriyet Daily News &
Economic Review daily reports.

“Illustrating the cultural exchange that occurs despite continued
political tension, the works of legendary Armenian musician Ruben
Hakhverdian are now set for release in the Turkish market as local
companies queue to secure copyrights for the music,” the source says.

Conveying his love to Turkish intellectuals working for reconciliation
between Turks and Armenians, Hakhverdian says, ‘Stay away from
nationalism; ignorance feeds nationalism. Borders are closed but the
way for intercultural interaction is open,” Hakhverdian emphasized.

Furthermore, the constant Turkish and Armenian squabbling over the
cultural ownership of anonymous songs was tiring, Hakhverdian noted.

“What is the point of discussing the ownership of anonymous songs?

What is important is how they make us feel,” he said, pointing to a
healthier attitude on the issue in the Balkans. “There is no fight
for songs in the Balkans. This is why they have become richer in the
cultural field.”

From: A. Papazian

TURKEY TO FORM “SECURITY ZONE” IN THE REGION

news.am
Aug 4 2010
Armenia

Russian-Turkish relations have reached a very high level, stated
Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu.

According to him, the Russian-Turkish high-level cooperation council
formed during RF President Dmitry Medvedev’s official visit to Ankara
will serve as a basis for bilateral strategic cooperation.

In his interview with RIA Novosti and Golos Rossii (Voice of Russia),
the Turkish FM expressed the confidence the Council’s activities will
lay the foundation for all-round high-level strategic cooperation
and give powerful impetus to Turkish-Russian partnership in Eurasia,
Middle East, Balkans and other regions.

Turkey’s foreign policy is aimed to resolving crisis situations,
facilitating the settlement of existing problems. Turkey’s foreign
policy is based on a dialogue aimed at developing cooperation and
integration between countries, first of all between the regional
countries, Davutoglu said.

At present, Russia and Turkey are cooperating both on the platform
of stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus and in the
international formats contributing to establishing peace and stability
in the Caucasus. Russia and Turkey have potential for cooperating in
this field in other regions, particularly in the Middle East and in
the Balkans.

According to Davutoglu, Turkey’s foreign policy is aimed at ensuring
regional security, stability and at forming a “security zone” round
the region.

From: A. Papazian

NKR PRESIDENT RECEIVES MEMBER OF “HAYASTAN” ALL-ARMENIAN FUND’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES

news.am
Aug 4 2010
Armenia

On August 3, NKR President Bako Sahakyan received member of the
“Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund’s Board of Trustees, director of the
Fund’s local body in France Petros Terzyan, NKR presidential press
service informed NEWS.am.

Issues related to the process of programs carried out in Artsakh by
the “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund were discussed during the meeting.

Bako Sahakyan appreciated high the activity of the Fund in Artsakh
considering it among pivotal links both stimulating socio-economic
development of our republic and strengthening the Motherland-Diaspora
ties.

After the meeting the President together with Petros Terzyan visited
the town of Shoushi and inspected on site the activities carried out
by the Fund.

NKR Premier Ara Haroutyunyan also attended the meeting.

From: A. Papazian

AZERI LEADER IN YOUR MOBILE

news.am
Aug 4 2010
Armenia

The official website of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev has launched
a special application for I-phone users. The new service provides
users with immediate access to the President’s speeches, interview,
reports on his participation in various events and photos.

About a month ago the Azeri leader’s official website was updated, an
official channel to Youtube, and a special account of the Azerbaijani
President in the Twitter network in Azeri and Russian languages were
launched, Trend.az reports.

From: A. Papazian

RUSSIA’S PROMISES FALSE

news.am
Aug 4 2010
Armenia

The Zhamanak newspaper had an interview with Richard Giragosian,
Director of the Center for National and International Studies. Below
is an excerpt from the interview:

-The new protocol on the deployment of Russian military bases in
Armenia indicates that Russia intends to ensure Armenia’s security.

What are the neighbors Russia plans to defend Armenia from if both
Turkey and Azerbaijan are Russia’s strategic allies?

-I am inclined to doubt any state’s promises to help Armenia in any
way. Armenia must build up its own strength, without relying on any
false promises of any nation – be it Russia, NATO or any other state.

Independence is of key importance from the viewpoint of complementarity
and of a balanced policy. And it should not be rejected so easily.

From: A. Papazian

MOSCOW, WASHINGTON HAVE CRITICAL LEVERS TO RESOLVE KARABAKH ISSUE, TURKISH AMBASSADOR SAYS

news.am
Aug 4 2010
Armenia

Russia, U.S. and France could act more decisively in the Karabkah
peace process, Turkish Ambassador to Russia Halil Akinci said in an
interview with 1news.az.

According to him, the OSCE Minsk Group (Russia, U.S. and France)
tries to adhere to a neutral stance on the matter.

The diplomat stressed Armenia is a CSTO member, thus Russia aims
to prevent an armed encounter. “Today, Russia is on good terms with
both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Minsk Group is making efforts to find
a resolution to the conflict, but this is rather slow,” Aklici said.

As to what he meant by saying Moscow and Washington could act more
decisively, Akinci said he would not like to voice what concrete
measures Russia and U.S. may take, expressing confidence these states
have more serious levers of influence.

He also reiterated his position the Armenian-Turkish border will open
only when a breakthrough in the Karabakh peace process is achieved.

From: A. Papazian

U.S. SENATE TO CONSIDER NOMINATION OF MATTHEW BRYZA IN SEPTEMBER

news.am
Aug 4 2010
Armenia

“Matthew Bryza is a diplomat of high quality,” Senator Richard
Lugar told the journalists on August 3 after a business meeting
between the members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of U.S. Senate
and candidates nominated for U.S. ambassador to various countries,
Cihan news agency reports.

“Matthew Bryza is a diplomat of high class, in which I hope very much”
said deputy chairman of Committee Lugar.

As NEWS,am reported previously, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
tabled the nomination of Matthew Bryza to the position of U.S.
Ambassador to Azerbaijan, on the initiative of Senator Barbara Boxer.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Barbara Boxer and Robert Menendez raised
key policy issues during Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing
of Ambassador-Designate Matthew Bryza.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen asked Bryza to respond to her constituents’
concerns, including accusations regarding his close ties to senior
Azerbaijani officials. Matthew Bryza noted he maintains professional
relationships with not only Azeri officials, but also with those in
Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. He also assured the Committee that his
wedding was not funded by outside sources.

From: A. Papazian