Author: Andres-Papazian

TendersInfo
June 19, 2010 Saturday

Armenia : Armenias drinking water supply system needs investments

Armenia s system of drinking water supply is in need of investments,
Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said Wednesday at a seminar on
water supply in Armenia.

It should be said that nothing has been invested in the drinking water
supply system since 1960s and 1970s, he said. And now the system needs
$1.7 billion. We started paying attention to this area only in recent
years and made some investments. The investment should be continued
for modernizing infrastructures in Armenia.
The premier said that certain progress was already seen in Yerevan the
city residents enjoy water supply 22 hours a day.
He thinks Yerevan owes this progress to foreign operators, with which
contracts have been sealed and whose experience has already started
producing results.
It is necessary to specify some principal objectives we have
identified, Sargsyan said. We asked the World Bank to give us
consultations on strategy of drinking water supply organization.
Armenian govenrment asked the World Bank to work out a water policy
with analysis of things in this area.

From: A. Papazian

Interfax, Russia
June 19 2010

Azerbaijan, Armenia blame each other for deadly clash

BAKU June 19

Azerbaijan has blamed Armenia for a deadly clash between Azeri and
Armenian troops in the vicinity of Azerbaijan’s disputed enclave of
Nagorno-Karabakh that broke out late on Friday.

The Armenian media said four Armenian soldiers were killed and another
four were wounded in the skirmish, and that one Azeri soldier died.

“Armenia has led itself into a trap by violating the ceasefire regime
in seeking to avoid current negotiations to settle the Nagorno-
Karabakh conflict,” Azeri Defense Ministry spokesman Eldar Sabiroglu
said in a statement. “This must be qualified purely and simply as one
of its regular provocations.”

Sabiroglu said the skirmish broke out around midnight and went on for
a long time.

He said there had been increasingly frequent clashes between Azeri and
Armenian troops recently and that, in the latest skirmish and previous
clashes, the Armenian soldiers drew back.

“However, it is a remarkable fact that, for the first time, the enemy
has been forced to openly admit its defeat during the battle. This is
very interesting because, as a rule, the Armenians try to conceal
their losses. In our view, there is no need to look for the reason,”
the spokesman said.

He argued that behind Azeri-Armenian armed clashes is an Armenian ploy
to divert public attention in Armenia from the country’s economic
problems. He claimed there is growing public discontent over economic
adversities in Armenia.

“They have once again understated their casualty statistics. We have
accurate information that they sustained greater losses than they have
admitted,” Sabiroglu said.

“It must come home unambiguously to aggressive Armenia that, unless it
peacefully withdraws from the occupied lands or resorts to other
provocations of this kind, it will receive even heavier strikes. The
Azeri Armed Forces possess sufficient resources for this,” he said.

Armenia occupies Nagorno-Karabakh and Azeri lands bordering it.

Armenia has laid the blame for the latest skirmish on Azerbaijan,
claiming the incident had been designed to wreck Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict settlement talks.

From: A. Papazian

Interfax, Russia
June 19 2010

Armenian foreign minister accuses Baku of desire to disrupt talks

YEREVAN June 19

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian has accused the Azeri
leadership of organizing an armed provocation against the unrecognized
Nagorno-Karabakh republic.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Ministry reported earlier that Armenian
and Azeri armed forces had clashed in Nagorno-Karabakh, which led to a
number of casualties. “An armed reconnaissance squad from Azerbaijan
appeared near the village of Chailu in Nagorno-Karabakh at 10:30 p.m.
local time on June 18,” it said. “Hand-to-hand combat took place,” it
said.

“Abandoning one dead man and ammunition on the battlefield, the enemy
retreated,” the ministry said. “The Armenian side lost four people and
four others were injured in the clash,” it said.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry press service quoted Nalbandian as
saying, “Baku is triying to disrupt negotiations using provocative
statements and threats of war before each top-level meeting with the
president of Armenia.”

“Perhaps seeing that this does not work, the Azeris have gone even
further and resorted to open provocation this time around, immediately
following a tripartite top-level meeting on June 17 [with the Russian
president participating],” he said.

“This once again shows the true face of Baku, which is doing all it
can to disrupt the negotiating process,” he said.

From: A. Papazian

`Jazz-Movie’ Contest within the frameworks of `Golden Apricot’

YEREVAN, JUNE 25, ARMENPRESS: This year, too, the `Golden Apricot’
film festival will kick off with traditional ceremony of apricot
blessing, which will take place in St Zoravor Church. Organizer of the
festival programs Vardan Hakobyan said today at a meeting with
journalists that this year besides showing films, a contest of
`Jazz-Movie’ is intended as well, which will sound in Charles Aznavour
Square in the evening hours from the opening day of the festival till
July 16.

The organizer of the joint contest with `Golden Apricot’ is
distinguished master of Armenian jazz Levon Malkhasyan, who will also
chair the professional jury,’ Vardan Hakobyan noted adding that
monetary awards are intended for the jazz contest, the total prize
fund is Drams equal in 6.000 Dollars.

According to Vardan Hakobyan, open-air showings of films are intended
in the Lovers’ Park at 23:00 pm, the entrance will be free of charge.
A club version of showing of films and discussion will be also held.

`Golden Apricot’ film festival is conducted with the support of the
Armenian Culture Minsitry.

From: A. Papazian

Samvel Harutyunyan: `We think Armenia will be one of the leading
countries of the scientific sphere in 2020′

YEREVAN, JUNE 25, ARMENPRESS: Samvel Harutyunyan, chairman of the
State Committee of RA Education and Science Ministry, presented the
new mechanisms of the scientific activities at today’s meeting with
journalists. According to him, the process of science development of
Armenia, which started with the adoption of the Armenian science
development strategy by RA Government, is entering a new phase, where
the issues of the target points of the strategy are expected to be
solved.

According to Samvel Harutyunyan, some practical mechanisms, such as
the establishment of scientific centers, development of international
cooperation, are already being applied. `We think Armenia will be one
of the leading countries of the scientific sphere in 2020. In the near
future we will become a competitive country in the European scientific
sphere,’ the speaker said. The Chairman of the State Committee of RA
Education and Science Ministry says the promotion of fundamental
researches and the development of Armenology are the most important
issues in the process.

From: A. Papazian

Development of relations with the Arab world is one of the priorities
of the Armenia’s foreign policy

YEREVAN, JUNE 25, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandyan received today Finance Minister of Kuwait Mustafa Jassim
Mohammad al Shamaly. Press and information department of the ministry
told Armenpress that welcoming the guest Edward Nalbandyan noted that
Armenian and Arabian peoples are connected with each other with
friendship dating back to centuries on the basis of which today the
inter-state relations are developing successfully. The foreign
minister added that the development of relations with the Arab world
is one of the priorities of the Armenia’s foreign policy. He
considered the 2008 November visit of the president to Kuwait very
crucial, saying that after it progress is being registered in a number
of spheres, Armenian embassy has been established in Kuwait.

Kuwait finance minister expressed gratitude for the warm reception and
conveyed to Edward Nalbandyan the greetings of vice prime minister and
foreign minister of Kuwait Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al Salem al Sabah and
noted with delight that the arrangements achieved during the visit of
the Armenian president are being brought to life.

The guest assured that his country is planning to extend cooperation
with friendly Armenia and is already undertaking concrete steps in
that direction, noting that his visit will be followed by visits of
other high-ranked officials of Kuwait.

The parties thoroughly discussed issues on expansion of cooperation in
trade-economic, educational, scientific and agricultural spheres. In
this respect the foreign minister noted that Armenian welcomes and
assists the investments of Kuwait in different spheres of Armenia’s
economy.

The Armenian foreign minister highlighted the signing of investment
encouraging and protection contract which will be signed today and
highlighted the agreeing and signing of the contract on economic and
technical cooperation.

The interlocutors noted that the establishment of air communication
between Armenia and Kuwait will promote the development of economic
partnership.

Edward Nalbandyan asked to convey his warm greetings to his Kuwait
counterpart and reconfirm his invitation to visit Yerevan.

From: A. Papazian

Arthur Baghdasaryan, `Armenia is Ready for any Scenario in Nagorno
Karabakh Issue and for Confrontation of Aggression’

YEREVAN, JUNE 25, ARMENPRESS: The incident registered at the
Karabakhi-Azerbaijani borderline cannot hinder the continuation of the
negotiations over the Karabakh conflict, Secretary of the Armenian
National Council Arthur Baghdasaryan noted today at a press conference
referring to the advance of the Azerbaijani armed group intruded to
the Nagorno Karabakh Republic June 18 in the neighborhood of Chailu
village. According to him, Armenia condemns the Azerbaijani actions
considering them instigation.

In this issue Armenia has the support of its partners- Russia and
European Union. Armenia is faithful to its way of activity, which is
to regulate the Karabakh issue through peaceful negotiations. `We do
not find it acceptable to negotiate on one hand and to apply to
instigation on the other’, A. Baghdasaryan said.

He said that the Armenian armed forces have a relevant high level to
ensure the security of the own country and people. `Armenia is for
continuation of negotiations over the NK issue, though today Armenia
is ready for any scenario in that issue. We also condemn the steps,
which contribute to spread of information among the society on restart
of war.

Armenia is ready to confront any aggression. Our efforts are directed
toward ensuring honorable security for our country and region, toward
solution of the Nagorno Karabakh issue around 3 principles, first,
specification of the status of the Nagorno Karabakh, which must be
based on independence or joining with Armenia, second, the Nagorno
Karabakh must have direct land connection with Armenia, third,
ensuring of people’s security guarantees. The incident registered in
the recent days clearly showed the necessity of the last principle,’
the secretary of the National Security Council said.

A. Baghdasaryan said that the RA National Security Council has
undertaken the drafting of the package and of the complex programs on
improvement of the security state of the Armenian borders, taking into
consideration the position of the republic in the given region.
According to him, a departmental commission has been set up on this
issue. `Our borders must be more secure, and the border defense points
– updated. In this issue Armenia has got the support of its
international partners,’ A. Baghdasaryan said.

From: A. Papazian

European Peoples’ Party to Give Opportunity to RA Coalition Parties to
become EPP’s Member

YEREVAN, JUNE 25, ARMENPRESS: A session of the working team on
integration issues of the European People’s Party (EPP) was held June
24 in Brussels, where the integration issue of the Armenian coalition
parties to the EPP was discussed and a decision was adopted to give
them an opportunity to become EPP’s member in future.

Chairman of the European Movement of Armenia, Prosperous Armenia Party
President’s Consultant Victor Yengibaryan said at today’s meeting with
journalists that bilateral negotiation process will soon start for
that purpose with participation of the Armenian Republican Party,
Prosperous Armenia Party, Orinats Yerkir Party and the EPP on the
other hand.

`By the end of 2010 a high-ranking mission of the EPP will arrive in
Armenia, the goal of which is to comprehensively study to what degree
the Armenian coalition parties correspond to the European standards,’
V. Yengibaryan said.

According to him, the Armenian Republican, Prosperous Armenia and
Orinats Yerkir Parties have applied for affiliation to the EPP in
different periods of time. `This can become an unprecedented platform
for starting political cooperation in Europe and for strengthening
ties with leading parties of Europe,’ Victor Yengibaryan said.

The European People’s Party (EPP) is the political family of the
centre-right, whose roots run deep in the history and civilization of
the European continent and has pioneered the European project from its
inception. Founded in 1976, the EPP strives for a democratic,
transparent and efficient Europe that is close to its citizens. EPP is
the largest political organization of Europe with 72 member-parties
from 39 countries, 18 heads of state and government (13 EU and 5
non-EU), 13 European Commissioners (including the President), and the
largest Group in the European Parliament with 265 members.

From: A. Papazian

Upgrading of state management system – necessity

YEREVAN, JUNE 25, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
received today delegation headed by the director of the World Bank’s
Europe and Central Asia economic policy regional department Luka
Barbone. At the event present were the head of the World Bank Armenia
office Aristomene Varudakis.

Governmental press service told Armenpress that the delegation arrived
in Armenia to take part in the conference on migration and remittances
affairs organized by the World Bank.

Welcoming the guests the prime minister highly assessed the three-year
long activity of Varudakis and expressed gratitude for joint and
effective work.

During the meeting the interlocutors discussed the process of
cooperation between the Armenian government and WB and further
activities. Tigran Sargsyan presented the current state of Armenia’s
economy and the main challenges caused by the crisis, particularly
pointing out the necessity of diversification of the economy, ensuring
favorable investment environment and equal competitive conditions and
the steps of the government undertaken in that direction.

The parties also highlighted the upgrading of state management system,
particularly the implementation of reforms in tax and customs spheres.
Luka Barbone reiterated the readiness of the World Bank to assist in
the implementation of reforms.

From: A. Papazian

Contract on encouragement of investments signed between governments of
Armenia and Kuwait

YEREVAN, JUNE 25, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
received today delegation headed by the Finance Minister of Kuwait
Mostafa Jassem al Shamaly. Governmental press service told Armenpress
that welcoming the guests Tigran Sargsyan said that Armenia highlights
consolidation of relations with Kuwait. `The road we have passed
together inspires hope. I am sure that your visit will give a new
impetus to boosting relations between the two countries,’ he said.

During the meeting the parties also discussed prospects of
implementation of mutually beneficial investment programs in a number
of economic spheres, as well as exchanged thoughts particularly over
creating favorable conditions for intensifying ties in mine industry,
tourism development and air communication spheres. In respect of the
development of bilateral economic relations the interlocutors
highlighted the creation of inter-governmental joint economic
cooperation commission.

Mostafa Jassem al Shamaly thanked the prime minister for the warm
reception and conveyed the greetings of the prime minister of Kuwait.
Armenian prime minister on his part asked to convey his greetings to
his counterpart and the invitation to visit Armenia.

At the end of the meeting at the presence of Tigran Sargsyan Armenian
Finance Minister Tigran Davtyan and Finance Minister of Kuwait Mostafa
Jassem al Shamaly signed contract on encouraging and protecting
investments between the two governments. The goal of the contract is
to intensify the investments and business initiatives between the two
countries, expand economic cooperation.

From: A. Papazian