Author: Andres-Papazian

MINISTER PREDICTS 3-5% AGRICULTURAL GROWTH

/ARKA/
July 29, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, July 29, /ARKA/. Armenian agricultural minister Gerasim
Alaverdian predicted today a 3-5% full-year agricultural GDP growth
for 2010.

According to government data, Armenia’s agriculture shrank by 13.1%
in the first half of the year, blamed by officials on poor climatic
conditions.

The minister recalled that last year’s crop of fruits and vegetables
amounted to 161,000 tons, while now only 80.,000 tons have been
gathered. He predicted a better crop gathering rate in the second
half of the year. In his words, the predicted growth will be due to
anticipated high yield of grapes, estimated by experts to be around
215,000 tons. The minister said production of meat and fowl are also
expected to grow.

From: A. Papazian

PREMIER: ARMENIAN UNIVERSITIES WILL GRADUALLY ENLARGE

/ARKA/
July 29, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, July 29.ã~@~@/ ARKA /.ã~@~@Armenia is to have a gradual
consolidation of schools, said Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan on
Wednesday during a meeting with representatives of the organization
“The future belongs to you.”

“Everybody understands that Armenia does not require such a large
number of universities, which is 57.Therefore will be a gradual
consolidation of institutions,” said the prime minister.

According to him, the country currently has 17 public universities,
six others act on the basis of intergovernmental agreements, and the
other universities are private.

Sargsyan noted that by the end of 2010 the concept of reforming
the higher education system will be approved and the process will
begin next year.ã~@~@Premier said that regardless of ownership of
the universities, equal conditions of work will be created, and the
focus of government will be on the quality of education.

Sargsyan said the government order will be placed in all universities,
not only in public educational institutions or institutions, the
Board of which includes senior officials.

If universities do not comply with the requirements imposed by the
State, then they will not be able to obtain a license or accreditation.

However, the chairperson of the Armenian government recalled that at
the present time in the republic there is only one university that
has international accreditation and that is the American University
of Armenia.

Other universities, according to Sargsyan, unfortunately, do not meet
the requirements of international accreditation.

Besides, as he observed, this process will require at least three
years of work and large investments as well.

From: A. Papazian

The Armenian Festival of Orange County
PO Box 3136
Laguna Hills, CA 92654-3136

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Paul Aslanian
[email protected]
(949) 309-2900 Ext 11 | (888) HYE-FEST (493-3378)

Friday, July 30, 2010

Armenian Festival to Commemorate 9/11

Laguna Hills, CA (Friday, July 30, 2010) – Orange County Armenian
Festival
organizers have planned a full commemorative program for 9/11 this year
in
conjunction with its sixth consecutive annual festival. In addition to
its
annual support of local education programs, a portion of the net
proceeds
this year will be donated to the Orange County Fire Fighter’s
Benevolent
Association.

The 9/11 commemoration will begin at 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 11.
Highlights will include introductions of community leaders followed by
an
inspiring presentation by nationally-recognized 9/11 authority, Ms.
Angie
Kardashian. Following the 9/11 commemoration will be a full concert
performance by Element Band, an innovative and internationally-renown
group
of young talented Armenian musicians with the debut of their musical
tribute
to 9/11. The full two-day festival cultural program will be coordinated
by
Master of Ceremonies, national celebrity, host and entertainer, Mr. Ara
Basil.

Culture and Enjoyment under the Tent or Under the Stars

The festival will be held at the Laguna Hills Community Center, on
Saturday
and Sunday, September 11th and 12th, in a beautiful park-like setting,
with
table seating for over 500 guests under the tent or under the stars at
night. The grounds are located in the Laguna Hills Community Center at
25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, about one mile south from
the
Alicia Parkway off ramp on the 5 freeway. Alicia Parkway is about 20
minutes south of Disneyland.

Parking will be ample, convenient, and free either on or near the
entrance.

The entire community center and parking areas, seating areas and comfort
facilities will be well lit at night and continuously maintained by full
time professional custodial staff while security is assured by licensed
professional personnel. The smoke-free festival will open to the public
at
noon and close at 10:00 PM on Saturday and 8:00 PM on Sunday. Admission
will be affordable at $5 for adults while children 8 and under will be
admitted at no charge. Tickets are available on line at the
Festival’s web
site, .

Live Armenian Music Performed by Three Popular Groups

Back by popular demand will be both contemporary and traditional live
Armenian music for dancing and listening enjoyment performed by the Knar
Band and the John Bilezikjian Band, who will also accompany several
popular
Southland guest vocalists. The program will also include centuries-old
traditional wedding music of “davoul-zourna” musicians, and two musical
programs for children by Southland sensations, Maggie Tune Children’s
Songs
and the Hoy Lari duo, all on the main stage.

Armenian Cooking Demonstration

Along with a full musical program, the festival welcomes back Orange
County celebrity chef Ms. Zov Karamardian, founder of the
award-winning Zov’s Café, Bistro and Bakeries throughout Orange
County, as she demonstrates her tips and secrets of mastering
authentic Armenian recipes in the cultural center.

Wide Variety of Delicious, Authentic, Freshly-Prepared Armenian Food

Along with Armenian music, singers and recipes, the festival is
renowned for its wide variety of delicious Armenian food, many of
which are popular favorites. Guests will watch their favorite
chicken, beef and lamb kabobs being prepared on the spot, and see many
of their other favorites being freshly made from scratch following
centuries-old traditions. All menu items will be available at
affordable prices and generous portions.

Professional Dance Group Performances

The festival will include a full line up of cultural presentations,
lead by the professional dancers of the Vartan Siranush Dance Ensemble
on Sunday. Wearing brightly-colored costumes dating back three
thousand years these awe-inspiring dancers will dazzle guests with the
flowing grace of the women, contrasted with bold leaps, bounds and
towering pyramids of the men.

Appreciation of American Remembrance and Armenian Culture

This will be the ideal event for families and all generations to
partake in the 9/11 remembrance, and also enjoy an exciting and
wholesome adventure into the rich heritage of Armenian history and its
ancient church, great fun and fabulous food in a beautiful park-like
setting in the upscale Orange County City of Laguna Hills.

Tax-Exempt Public Charitable Organization

The Armenian Festival is independently administered by unpaid
volunteers. It is a qualified Federal and California tax-exempt
organization organized under Internal Revenue Code Sec. 501(c)(3).
The organization distributes its net proceeds to benefit local
educational programs and schools. Its Statement of Values and Mission
are available on its web site which confirm its pan-Armenian
commitment to broad-based community inclusion and collaboration. The
organization welcomes all Armenian organizations based in Orange
County to participate and showcase their unique cultural contributions
to festival guests.

Festival organizers are accepting applications for vendor booths,
volunteers and sponsors. More information and on-line applications
are available at
. Information is also available by
telephone toll-free at 888-HYE-FEST (888-493-3378) or locally at
949-309-2900.

###

NOTES:

Information for calendar submission may be excerpted from above text.
Choice of Several Images and Captions follow:

Mr. Ara Basil, nationally-renown host, entertainer and comedian, hosts
the Armenian Festival of Orange County as the Master of Ceremonies for
the 9/11 commemoration, along with the usual festivities, fun and
fabulous food, on the weekend of September 11 and 12 at the Laguna
Hills Community Center.

Ms. Angie Kardashian, nationally-recognized authority and speaker on
9/11, will lead the commemoration at the Armenian Festival of Orange
County with her captivating presentation on the afternoon of September
11, 2010 at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

The Armenian Festival of Orange County welcomes the
internationally-acclaimed band of inventive modern musicians, Element
Band, in its debut performance of their composition honoring 9/11,
performed during their full concert on Saturday, September 11, at 6:00
PM, immediately following the commemorative presentations by local
dignitaries.

[above 3 images] The Armenian Festival of Orange County welcomes back
in its sixth consecutive year, the Vartan Siranush Dance Ensemble,
always a crowd-pleaser, with its colorful traditional costumes, the
graceful synchronized movements of the women, and the bold, daring
acrobatics of the men, under the masterful direction of
choreographers, Vartan and Siranush.

For the third year, the Armenian Festival of Orange County welcomes
the return of the Knar Band, who will play modern Armenian dance music
and accompany many invited popular guest vocalists. Knar will be
performing throughout the festival weekend for the dancing and
listening enjoyment of festival guests.

Guests at the Armenian Festival of Orange County will marvel at the
artistry and technique of master musician John Bilezikjian and his
band, featuring authentic old country Armenian dance music and songs
originating hundreds of years ago from several regions in historic
Armenia. Mr. Bilezikjian has credits for music in over 80 feature
films and has been the featured performer in concert at Carnegie Hall,
New York.

Ms. Zov Karamardian, founder of the award-winning Zov’s Bistro, Café
and Bakeries in greater Orange County, will personally provide cooking
demonstrations of popular Armenian recipes, offering her unique tips
and tricks for preparing delicious and healthy meals in the classic
Armenian tradition.

Children will be enthralled at the interactive musical program
performed by Maggie Tune, a well-known character creation who has been
a regular feature at the Armenian Festival of Orange County. Children
and their parents will be welcomed on the main stage to sing and dance
with Maggie as she leads the children in an enchanting program with
her unique talent.

Children will be delighted to enjoy the musical program of Hoy Lari,
debuting this year at the Armenian Festival of Orange County. The
ladies bring their own creative interpretations to the children’s
program, which has been a permanent feature of the annual festivals.

From: A. Papazian

MINISTER OF ECONOMY TO TAKE PART IN CAREC BUSINESS FORUM IN CHINA

/ARKA/
July 28, 2010
YEREVAN

The Armenian delegation headed by Minister of Economy Nerses Yeritsyan
departed Yerevan on July 27 on a five-day visit in China to participate
in the 9th Forum on Entrepreneurship Development for Regional Economic
Cooperation in Central Asia (CAREC), the press service of Ministry
of Economy of the Republic reported to ARKA News Agency.

“The Armenian delegation includes Deputy Minister of Transport and
Communications Grant Beglarian, head of the Industry Department of
Ministry of Economy Hayk Mirzoyan, and head of development policy
and strategy Artak Speaker,” – said in a press release.

The purpose of the forum, organized by the Asian Development
Bank (ADB), is to encourage direct foreign investment in major
infrastructure programs, as well as promoting cooperation between
private and public enterprises in the countries of Central Asia.

From: A. Papazian

STATE HAS SPENT $80M USD FOR METSAMOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT’S SECURITY

Tert.am
29.07.10

The Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Metsamor, Armavir marz (province) is
being exploited safely, Head of State Committee for Nuclear Security
Regulation to Armenia’s Government Ashot Martirosyan told a press
conference today.

In his words once in every 3 year Armenia prepares the National Report
on Nuclear Security and presents it to the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA).

The latest such report was presented to IAEA in 2007 with the next
one expected in September this year.

“The last time when we presented the report, we received positive
feedback both from MAGATE (IAEA) and 15 countries. It is not us who
decide whether the security [level] is sufficient enough … It is
being subjected to a multi-faceted international examination.

Presently, we work in that direction with experts from numerous
countries,” said Martirosyan.

Further he said that each year some 10-12 times measures are being
taken for improving the security of Metsamor’s NPP.

Since 1990, according to Martirosyan, the state has spent about $80m
USD for the purpose.

From: A. Papazian

ORANGE IS EXTENDING ITS NETWORK

Tert.am
29.07.10

Local Armenian mobile phone operator Orange continuously extends
its network coverage, in order to make its voice and data services
available to a range of remote towns and villages, resort areas,
as well as strengthening it on national roads.

Due to this extension works customers in Jermuk, Garni, Agarak,
Zangezur, Stepanavan towns, as well as villages in Vayots Dzor,
Armavir, Ararat, Aragatsotn marzes (provinces) fully benefit from
Orange voice and mobile internet connection now.

Huge work has been accomplished for the improvement of the coverage on
roads, and today the road to Iran, as well as smaller roads connecting
villages to the regional centers are now fully covered.

In order to extend and strengthen the network, the company is making
intensive works, and some 5 new base stations are installed per week
in different region of Armenia.

Today Orange covers more than 85% of the armenian population, and
the coverage will reach about 95% by the end of 2010.

From: A. Papazian

URANIUM FIELD EXPLOITATION IN ARMENIA WILL BE SAFE, SAYS EXPERT

Tert.am
29.07.10

The Armenian-Russian joint enterprise will by the end of this year
find out whether or not Armenia has uranium deposits. Currently
specialists are exploring the area around Voghchi River that flows
between Kapan and Kajaran towns in Syunik marz (province), Head of
State Committee for Nuclear Security Regulation to Armenia’s Government
Ashot Martirosyan told a press conference today.

The Government’s move to exploit Armenia’s uranium deposits has
stirred up discontent among the population and environmentalists in
Syunik over concerns that it will negatively affect the environment
and the population nearby communities.

“It is natural that there may be concerns, but at the same time all
the necessary steps will be taken to make sure the exploitation of
uranium deposits is absolutely safe both for the environment and
population. The works will naturally be stopped, should anything go
wrong,” assured Mr Martirosyan.

In his words, however, currently work is underway to find out what
deposits Armenia has, how deep they are and what kind of threat those
iron ore may pose.

“If it turns out that there are enough industrial deposits [of
uranium] a program will be designed which will pass an international
expertise. One of the obligatory conditions will be doing the works in
line with international standards,” said he, adding that the enrichment
of uranium, if found of course, will not be conducted in Armenia but
rather in abroad.

It is has not yet been decided whether uranium will be sold to other
countries or at what prices, if found, as it is too early to discuss
this kind of issues.

From: A. Papazian

POLITICAL PRISONER ZHORA SAPEYAN IS RELEASED AND WILL CONTINUE POLITICAL ACTIVITY

Tert.am
29.07.10

An Armenian political prisoner has been released from Artik
penitentiary this morning after spending 2.5 half year in prison,
an Armenian National Congress (HAK) activist Tigran Arakelyan told
Tert.am.

Immediately after his release Zhora Sapeyan is said to have gone home,
Ashnak village, Aragatsotn marz (province).

“We welcomed him with 200 people or so, with flags, chanting and
have come now to their place in Ashnak. We are drinking, celebrating
[his release], and having fun. Let all other political prisoners be
released too,” said Tigran Arakelyan.

In his words Mr Sapeyan intends to continue the fight till the end and
will participate in an event to be held on August 1 in the vicinity
of the statue of famous Armenian painter Martiros Saryan near the
Opera House in the center of Yerevan.

This event is set to celebrate the second anniversary of the
establishement of HAK – currently most influential opposition movement
in Armenia that brings together 18 political parties.

Zhora Sapeyan was sentenced in 2008 over huliganism charges during
the 2008 presidential campaign.

His brother, Mkrtich Sapeyan, who had also been imprisoned on similar
charges, was released this January.

From: A. Papazian

TWO REASONS WHY RALLY IN KARABAKH OVER HAGUE COURT RULING DID NOT TAKE PLACE

Tert.am
29.07.10

There were two reasons why the expected rally in the Republic of
Nagorno Karabakh, did not take place on July 22 when the International
Court of Justice ruled that the declaration of Kosovo’s independence
was in line with the international law, of sociologist Aharon Adibekyan
told a press conference today.

The first reason according to him was that most of the Artsakh people
did not know about that ruling.

But the main reason the announced rally was annulled, in his word,
is that the Karabakhi authorities did not want to one more time stir
up false hopes among the Karabakhi people that it will be possible
to reach recognition also for Karabakh based on Kosovo’s precedent.

“This is a psychological state,” explained Adibekyan.

From: A. Papazian

‘CIVILIZED DIVORCE’ FOR ARMENIA AND KARABAKH, SUGGESTS AHARON ADIBEKYAN

Tert.am
29.07.10

“Whatever ruling the Hague international court would reach we would
in any case continue to fight for the self-determination of Karabakh.

This [the court ruling], as the saying goes is a triviality, but a
pleasant one, i.e. there is some precedent, and there is at least
a moral motive for us to continue that fight,” head of Sociometer
centre, sociologist Aharon Adibekyan said in a press conference today.

According to Adibekyan Armenia and Karabakh should file what he called
a “civilized divorce,” explaining that Armenia should withdraw from
the negotiation process, allowing Karabakh and Azerbaijan to solve
the conflict themselves.

“In fact, we should not pay attention to Kosovo’s precedent, and I
remain in the opinion that Armenia must withdraw from that process
allowing Karabakh to come in common terms with Azerbaijani; if they
do find ways of [co]-existence, Armenia will be in favor [of that
agreement] and [they] would file a civilized divorce. When a couple
leaving together for a long time, decides one day to divorce, [they]
agree upon how to divide the property,” explained he, adding that
this scenario does not pose any threat to Karabakh people as long as
the Armenian troops are there.

Further Adibekyan said he was sure that 90 per cent of people Karabakhi
would agree to his scenario should a poll be conducted over the issue.

From: A. Papazian