Author: Andres-Papazian

Regional branch of the International Center for Relativistic
Astrophysics to open in Armenia

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: The preparatory works for the opening of
the Armenian center for relativistic astrophysics are in process. It
will have two branches in Yerevan – at the National Academy of
Sciences – and at the Byurakan Observatory.

In the conversation with Armenpress the director of Byurakan
Observatory Hayk Harutyunyan said that in the near future negotiations
will be held with a number of institutions relating to the activity of
the center as well as certain agreements will be signed. An initial
arrangement with the participation of the deputy minister has already
been acquired with the Armenian Foreign Ministry. The other
consultations will launch in September.

The candidate territories for the branches of the center are in
Yerevan and Byurakan but their final selection will be agreed with
corresponding opportunities and conditions. Time will be needed for
certain necessary renovations. The discussions on acquiring necessary
devices will start in the next phase after the negotiations are
accomplished. Harutyunyan said by the end of the year the official
part of discussion of issues will be summed up.

Referring to the staff, Harutyunyan said that there are high-quality
specialists in the sphere of relativistic astrophysics in Armenia. He
added that the center will be big branch in the region and scientists
from Middle East, Iran, Turkey, China, Arab countries will arrive here
to hear lectures, to carry out long-term and short-term activity in
this field.

July 2 2010 at the Armenian National Academy of Sciences during the
visit of the Italian delegation of the International Center for
Relativistic Astrophysics the official part was summed up. The
delegation headed by the director of the center, professor Remo
Raffini conducted negotiations with the RA NAS on establishing
regional branch of the International Center for Relativistic
Astrophysics.

The director of the observatory said that there have always been close
ties with the Italian scientists both in this and other spheres and
they will particularly consolidate after the opening of the center.

Relativistic Astrophysics is comparatively new, important directions
of astrology and is in the phase of development in the whole world. It
demands new approaches, preparation of staff, discussions, conferences
and studies.

From: A. Papazian

Suren Krmoyan: Armenia, as any other civilized state, bans euthanasia

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: `Armenpress’ news agency spoke with
legal consultant to the RA Healthcare minister Suren Krmoyan about
euthanasia in Armenia and practice of providing drugs to grave ill
people.

– Mr. Krmoyan, what is the attitude of Armenia toward euthanasia
taking into consideration the circumstance that today many countries
are discussing the issue on allowing it?

– Today Armenia, like any other civilized state, bans euthanasia –
speeding up the death with the request of patient through any activity
or means. There are certain points in the Law on `Medical Assistance
and Service’. The people who are consciously making people apply
euthanasia or are doing it themselves are punished in accordance with
the Armenia’s legislation. Each person according to the Constitution
has right to live, it supposes that even with the wish of a person one
cannot deprive him/her of life. It is one of the rules of medical
ethics and is worked out by the International Medical Association. As
to Armenia, during our history, such precedents are not known.

– For instance when people with cancer are being given drugs, does not
it have any relation to euthanasia in respect that the patient is in
unconscious state?

– As to giving drugs to grave ill people, I would say that we have
practice of treatment or smoothing the pains and till the end we are
fighting for prolonging the life of the patient and the healthcare
bodies are just for doing it. The state not only excludes permitting
euthanasia but undertakes steps to prolong the life of the patient as
much as possible as well as tries to improve the quality of life. The
sense of the whole medicine and medical sciences is in it.

– What mechanisms are being applied in Armenia to control the
circulation of drugs provided to grave ill patients?

– The mechanism is the following – the drugs are being provided with
the prescription of a doctor and only after getting the signature of
chief doctor of the certain medical establishment. If the patient is
not in the territory of the medical establishment, the boxes of the
used drugs are being returned. Besides, the officials of the medical
establishment which provides drugs are frequently and periodically
visiting the patient to learn how he/she feels and control the usage
of the provided drugs.

From: A. Papazian

About 83 diaspora Armenian teachers pass training in Armenia

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: The training classes for the diaspora
Armenian teachers are in process in Armenia. About 83 teachers from
different parts of the world are actively participating in all the
events intended for them.

Head of the ties with diaspora department of the Armenian Education
and Science Ministry Nune Vardanyan told Armenpress that the training
program of the teachers goes on according to the schedule: the
teachers display great interest. This time the condition of not
getting certificate in case of not attending the classes for 18 hours
and more is not being applied as no disrespected absences have been
registered. N. Vardanyan said that all the 83 teachers will get
certificates of the RA Education and Science Ministry and Armenian
State Pedagogical University.

The diaspora Armenian students besides the auditorium classes
participated in the events of familiarizing nature: they were in
Matenadaran, National Gallery, History Museum, Erebuni archaeological
reserve-museum, Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, museums of Saryan
and Tumanyan, Al. Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet Academic Theatre. By
the end of the program the diaspora Armenian teachers will also visit
Parajanov museum. A number of excursions have been organized for them
to Khor Virap, Noravank, Sevan, Haghartsin, Garni, Geghard,
Etchmiadzin, Sardarapat. Soon they will depart for Oshakan. Meetings
are scheduled with the diaspora minister and Catholicos of All
Armenians.

The training program will be wrapped up August 9. It launched July 12.

From: A. Papazian

Ten Manuscripts Granted to Matenadaran

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: The `Phoenix’ Human Resources
Development All-Armenian Foundation granted today 10 manuscripts,
among them a copy of Grigor Narekatsi’s `Matyan Voghbergutyan’, made
1331 in Kilikia, to the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient
Manuscripts.

Hrachya Tamrazyan, director of the Matenadaran, mentioned that the
manuscript, which involves a number of valuable memoirs, was acquired
with the assistance of Tigran Jierjyan, a friend of the `Phoenix’
Foundation.

Hrachya Tamrazyan said that the Foundation has provided recently some
materials, necessary for restoration of manuscripts, as well as
printing devices and cameras. A wide spectrum of programs of
publishing are carried out in association with the foundation.

`The Matenadaran is a fruitful sole for benevolence and human
resources development. I am sure that the seeds, farmed here, will
bear a great number of fruit in the future.

A new school, intended for restoration, conservation and copying of
written monuments, will open soon in association with the foundation.
The School of Restoration and Miniature will prepare specialists for
the Matenadaran.

`However we should multiply our efforts in these sectors, as there are
a number of manuscripts, which are waiting for restoration. On the
other hand the funds of manuscripts, old books and the archive are
being stocked gradually,’ director of the Matenadaran said.

Gabriel Chempertchyan, president of honor of the `Phoenix’ Human
Resources Development All-Armenian Foundation, Levon Sargsyan,
president of the board of trustees of the foundation, as well as
Mihran Minasyan, Armenologist, collector of manuscripts and documents,
were awarded the `St. Mesrop Mashtots’ Medal for their exclusive
devotion to the Matenadaran.

From: A. Papazian

Fourth Cinema of the Republic to Operate in Berd

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: The fourth cinema of the Republic of
Armenia is expected to open August 2 in the town of Berd, Tavush
province. The Arevaberd Cinema, operating in the Soviet period, will
reopen with the assistance of Victor Hayrapetyan- Armenian
businessman, born in Berd.

Arthur Ghukasyan, director of the cinema, told Armenpress that
Arevaberd Cinema will be presented to the art loving community with
its two cinema halls. The big hall is intended for 400 people, and the
small one- for 100 people. The cinema will operate with the newest
technological models and will conduct satellite broadcast. The foyer
of the cinema will have a café, intended for 60 people.

`The operation of the cinema is an important event for the local
population. It will give an opportunity to get acquainted with the
latest novelties of the world cinema market,’ Arthur Ghukasyan said.

The two of the three cinemas are operating in Yerevan, and the third
one- `Cinema October’- in Gyumri.

According to Eleonora Tumanyan, head of culture and tourism department
of Yerevan Municipality, the issue of cinemas is worrying. She said
that the necessity of establishment of cinemas was stressed at a
number of discussions.

`There are some projects for establishment of cinemas, but the steps,
undertaken in that direction, are not clear yet,’ Eleonora Tumanyan
said. She added that each community of Yerevan had one or two cinemas
in the Soviet period.

From: A. Papazian

The NKR MFA library supplemented with the Book of `Artsakh’

STEPANAKERT, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: The scientific library of the NKR
MFA has received as a gift the Russian version of the book `Artsakh’
by bishop Makar Barkhudaryants published in Science publishing office
in St. Petersburg.

NKR MFA Press Service told Armenpress the edition was prepared by
Bella and Vahe Grigorians, the translator from the Armenian language
is Nelson Alexanian. All the nuances and author’s terminology are
preserved within the translation.

First, the book was published in Armenian in 1895 in Baku. It is of
exceptional historical and source study significance. Historian,
ethnographer, teacher, religious figure, native of Artsakh Makar
Barkhudariants provided corresponding information on the natural
resources, flora, fauna, and demography of the region, described its
historical monuments, collected and decoded the inscriptions on the
gravestones, church- and monastery walls. The book was repeatedly used
in scientific researches, served as a guide-book in further
descriptions of Artsakh, and has been a unique work so far providing a
full idea of the material and spiritual culture of the region.

The Russian translation of the book is dedicated to the memory of the
soldiers and civilians deceased for the freedom and independence of
Karabakh-Artsakh.

The translation of the book, which is intended for local history
specialists, historians, theologians, statesmen, and common readers,
allowed to increase the number of people wishing to get true
information on Artsakh. The book is distributed in authoritative
scientific institutions and libraries in St. Petersburg and Moscow.

From: A. Papazian

Decrease in Number of Applicants in Higher Educational Establishments of Arts

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: The interest of applicants in the higher
educational establishments of arts is decreasing year by year,
according to Sergey Sarajyan, rector of Yerevan State Conservatory
after Komitas. Sergey Sarajyan said at today’s meeting with
journalists that the number of applicants, who want to study in higher
educational establishments of arts, decreased this year. 18 applicant
filed applications for 40 places of the piano department of the
conservatory.

`If we do not pay proper attention to the issue we may lose our school
of pianists. The number of applicants did not decrease so drastically
in the past years,’ Sergey Sarajyan said. He added that the interest
is big in the duduk, folk songs, estrade and vocal departments. Sergey
Sarajyan says the Armenian vocalists have an international fame and
they are warmly accepted in the European opera theatres. He added that
this is the reason applicants endeavor to study at these departments.

`Today our people pay a lot of attention to folk musical instruments,
estrade, folk songs and vocal art. The piano, violin, cello, wind
instruments are out of focus now and it is quite natural, because when
one applies to somewhere to study he/she does it for getting a job,’
Sergey Sarajyan said. He mentioned that more than 250 thousand musical
and art schools were operating in the Republic during the Soviet
period, but now the number of such schools is 100. Sergey Sarajyan
suggests that serious works be undertaken in the direction of making
those schools active.

The number of applicants for the departments of painting and sculpture
– on the basis of which the academy was established – decreased as
well, according to Aram Isabekyan, rector of RA State Academy of Fine
Arts. He added that the interest of applicants is bigger in the
departments of modern specialties, such as design and computer design,
because the demand for those specialties is bigger in the labor
market.

As to the tuition fee, Sergey Sarajyan mentioned that it makes 600 000
AMD in the State Conservatory. He said the study in the conservatory
is expensive, because there are plenty of private trainings. However,
the rector says, this amount is not enough for giving a proper salary
to the lecturers. The state-funded places were reduced by 50%.

Aram Isabekyan says all the higher educational establishments of arts
should be state-funded, as in France. The speakers mentioned that a
number of Diaspora-Armenians and foreigners study in the higher
educational establishments of arts. The rectors say those students
come to get high-quality education.

From: A. Papazian

765 million extended for free books

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: On the decision of the Armenian
government about 765 million has been extended this year for providing
pupils of junior classes with free textbooks and educational
literature and for publishing textbooks for senior schools. Head of
the Public Relations and Information Department of the Armenian
Education and Science Ministry Arthur Baghdasaryan told Armenpress
that in this new academic year the number of the new textbooks will
reach about 2 dozens. The cost of every item makes 820-4300 Drams.

From: A. Papazian

Diaspora-Armenian teachers hosted at Armenian Diaspora Ministry

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: The Diaspora-Armenian teachers hosted in
Armenia within the frameworks of this year’s training program visited
today the RA Diaspora Ministry. The program on training of teachers
has been implemented since 2000 and is gradually developing its
geography. Press service of the Armenian Diaspora Ministry told
Armenpress that this year 83 teachers arrived from 16 countries
partake in the program. `Welcome Home’, Minister Hranush Hakobyan said
welcoming the teachers’ visit to the Diaspora Ministry.

Afterward the Minister presented the basic principles of the state
policy on Armenia-Diaspora cooperation, referred to the steps
undertaken by the Diaspora Ministry in preservation of the Armenian
identity, etc. The Minister attached importance to the issue on
preparing and training of teachers for the Armenian communities of
Diaspora. During the meeting the Minister answered to the teachers’
questions.

From: A. Papazian

Armenian Youth to Support Solution of Problems in Berdzor

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: On the initiative of the `Support to
Self-Determined Artsakh’ benevolent union a group of young Armenians
will leave for Artsakh early August for getting acquainted with the
current issues of Berdzor and offering possible solutions.

Mkrtich Tonoyan, coordinator of operation of the Armenian branch of
the benevolent union, told Armenpress that the young people will have
an opportunity to go sightseeing, visit villages, register the current
issues in those places and design a program, which will define the
possible directions of solution of the problems. Mkrtich Tonoyan added
that the young people will endeavor to solve the issues by themselves.

`Our main organization will provide the aid, and the rest of the
works- reconstruction of school, cleaning of monuments, etc, – should
be implemented by the students,’ Mkrtich Tonoyan said.

The `Support to Self-Determined Artsakh’ benevolent union has been
operating since 1989 in the Armenian community of Alfortville, France.
>From the beginning of the Nagorno Karabakhi war the members of the
union provided moral and financial assistance. After the signing of
the ceasefire regime 1994 the union has been undertaking a number of
works in the direction of eliminating the consequences of the war.

The Armenian branch of the `Support to Self-Determined Artsakh’
benevolent union opened March, 2010. The president of the Armenian
branch is Arkadi Ter-Tadevosyan, major general, former commander of
Artsakhi armed forces. The organization is collaborating with the
Armenian Defense Ministry, military offices, local authorities, etc.

Mkrtich Tonoyan mentioned that the Armenian branch of the `Support to
Self-Determined Artsakh’ benevolent union is still in the stage of
consolidation. He added that this is the reason the organization is
still getting financial aid from the main organization. It is also
implementing several projects in Javakhk. The members of the
organization also reconstructed the classroom of Armenology of the
school in Dado village of Javakhk.

From: A. Papazian