Author: Andres-Papazian

JOINT EXAMS LAUNCH IN ARMENIA AND NAGORNO KARABAKH

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 1, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS: Joint exams have launched today in Armenia
and Nagorno Karabakh. The first day of examination was organized in
the subjects of “Biology”, “General History” and “Geography”.

One thousand 763 applicants have applied for taking a joint exam in
“Biology”, 512 – for “General History” and 329 – for “Geography”. For
the examination of these subjects 15 examination centers operate in
Armenia and in the NKR on the whole.

Today a joint examination in “Biology” is being conducted in Yerevan
N 20 School after J. Kirakosyan. Director of the Assessment and
Testing Center (ATC) Gurgen Khachatryan said that the number of
those giving examination has decreased compared with the last year,
instead of nearly 19 thousand applicants of the last year this year
about 17 thousand juniors have wished to enter a higher educational
establishment.

The examination conditions have become stricter this year; in case
of finding a mobile phone the organizers can invite the applicants
out from the exam room putting a bad mark. While the exam work of
the previous years was assessed non-sufficient after 3 remarks.

Applicants will know about the results of today’s exams during two
days, after which during 24 hours they can present their appeals in
case of being discontent with the mark. According to the director of
the ATC, the form of the appeal has a bit changed this year; applicants
must mention why they complain – on technical or content issues,
and the re-checking of the exam work will be implemented on its basis.

G. Khachatryan considered the only flaw in the examination center
placed in N 20 School the start of the examination with a delay of 20
minutes, but it will not influence on the 3 hours given for the exam,
and the exam will last 20 minutes longer than intended.

Varduhi Piliposyan, head of the examination center, said that here
the examination was intended for 340 applicants, but 13 absents were
registered. In case of giving valid reasons those applicants can take
exam in an additional round of the joint exams.

The next joint exam will be organized June 4 in “Armenian Language
and Literature” subject.

From: A. Papazian

AN EXHIBITION OF WORKS OF SELF-TAUGHT ART FIGURES OPENED IN YEREVAN STATE MUSEUM OF FOLK ART

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 1, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS: An exhibition of works of self-taught
art figures dedicated to International Children’s Day opened today in
Yerevan Museum of Folk Art. It is organized under the high patronage
of Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, with the support of
the Armenian Culture Ministry, Armenian State Museum of Folk Art,
Armenian Artists’ Union, Araratian Patriarchal Diocese and with the
sponsorship of “ArmenTel” CJSC.

T. Sargsyan attached importance to organization of the exhibition
and noted that they are ready to support suchlike events. According
to Armenian Culture Minister Hasmik Poghosyan, the presentation of
folk masters to the society through suchlike initiatives is of great
importance.

Anahit Mkhitaryan, co-chairperson of the Union of the Armenian Artists
throughout the World, said that many works have been received for
participation in the exhibition, about 30 of which have been chosen.

“In our choice we have taken into consideration the circumstance that
they are self-taught art figures. Our goal is to present to society the
works of the self-taught art figures and to reveal talented people,”
A. Mkhitaryan said.

Works of over 20 self-taught art figures are presented at the
exhibition. It will be open till June 10.

Archbishop Navasard Kchoyan from the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese,
members of the Union of Armenian Artists throughout the World and
art figures were present at the event.

From: A. Papazian

AS OF JANUARY 1 OVER 8358 DISABLED CHILDREN REGISTERED IN ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 1, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS: As of January 1, 2010 over 179 thousand
257 disabled people, among them 8358 children, are registered in
Armenia. Arpine Abrahamyan, director of ‘Prkutyun’ Center for Disabled
Children and Youth, reported journalists today that over the 20%
of the disabled children are considered mentally disabled. She also
said 37 of the 52 stakeholders of Prkutyun Center are boys. Arpine
Abrahamyan informed that from the very start of the operation the
center began to work with 12 children.

‘The number of stakeholders of our center now makes 52 and we take
care of all of them, but our vision is to do our best for that the
daily life of the mentally disabled children is organized at their
homes and their parents take care of them,’ Arpine Abrahamyan said.

She added that orphanages must be relieved and replaced by
establishments, which provide noon care. Head of the UNICEF Project
for Protection of Children’s Rights Hayk Khemchyan says the United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) provides assistance and pays special
attention to the improvement of the inclusive schools program.

However, he says, the aim of the UN and RA Government remains the
discharge of the orphanages. ‘This does not imply the refusal of such
establishments or the mechanical discharge of children. Our mission
is the designing of alternative variants of care,’ Hayk Khemchyan said.

He added that the opening of alternative care centers, intended
for disabled children, is appropriate, as such centers demand less
financial means, than orphanages and boarding schools.

From: A. Papazian

WORKSHOP ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ORGANIZED IN STOCKHOLM

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 1, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS: Workshop, entitled ‘The Genocide
in the Ottoman Empire in 1915: Live History, Legal Issues, Law of
Prescription, Reliability’, was conducted May 31 in Stockholm. It was
organized by the Swedish Branch of International Law Association. An
official from the press and information department of RA Foreign
Affairs Ministry told Armenpress that that workshop was chaired by Ove
Bring, expert of international law and president of the International
Law Association of Sweden.

Professor of International Law at the University of Dundee Kaj Hober,
RA Ambassador to Sweden Ara Ayvazyan, Vahagn Avetikyan, historian
and editor-in-chief of the ‘Armenica.org’ website, as well as 50
others- among them representatives of the Swedish foreign ministry,
ILA (Swedish branch), Armenian, Turkish and Assyrian comunities and
scientists- took part in the workshop and made reports.

RA Ambassador to Sweden Ara Ayvazyan represented the history
of the Genocide, touched upon the process of regulation of the
Armenian-Turkish relations, Zurich protocols and the reasons of the
suspension of the ratification process. Professor Kaj Hober briefed
on his studies of the Law of Prescription and said that the issue of
the Genocide can be heard at the International Criminal Court.

Vahagn Avetikyan’s report was dedicated to the identity and
responsibility of states. He says there is a reasonable base to
lead the Turkish policy of denial to the liberal responsibility,
which implies official recognition of the Genocide by Turkey.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO BE EXPORTED TO THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET WITH “ARARATFRUIT” BRAND

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 1, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS: Hence, Armenian fresh fruits and
vegetables will be exported to the international market with
“ARARATFRUIT” brand. Development advisor of “SPAYKA” company,
implementing the export, Karen Baghdasaryan said today at a press
conference in “Armenpress” press center, that for already a year
serious marketing policy is being carried out as a result of which
a clear strategy of brand formation and serving has been worked out.

The company which has been established in 2001 is one of the leading
Armenian vehicle cargo transportation companies and is organizing
international cargo transportations to the CIS countries and Europe.

Karen Baghdasaryan said studying the opportunities of fruit production
in Armenia, organization of harvest and effective preservation
of harvest and the international experience of transporting and
consumption, “SPAYKA” has extended the circle of its activity. The
company has developed and is implementing investment program in the
organization of export of fresh fruit.

Within the framework of the program more than 12,5 million USD have
already been invested during the last 5 months.

Expert of “From Water to Market” program Ara Hovhannissyan said that
cooperation with “SPAYKA” is for the first time an attempt to respond
to the real challenges. According to him, the investment program in
respect of the development of agriculture is realistic: it not only
intends export of fruits but the development of these branches.

Head of the “SPAYKA” company’s legal department Arthur Martirosyan said
that for the creation and development of consumer networks in the CIS
and EU countries it is intended to increase the export volume of fruits
and vegetables by 20%. “For reaching that goal currently agreements
have been signed with Russian big trade networks,” the lawyer said.

From: A. Papazian

EDWARD NALBANDYAN PAYS OFFICIAL VISIT TO CANADA

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 1, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS: May 31, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandyan paid an official visit to Canada. Press service of the
Armenian Foreign Affairs Ministry told Armenpress that in Ottawa E.

Nalbandyan’s agenda was full of meetings with representatives of the
legislative and executive bodies of Canada. The meeting of the head
of the Armenian foreign political department with Canadian Minister
of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Lawrence Cannon was held.

The Armenian Foreign Minister, expressing gratitude for the invitation
to visit Ottawa and for the warm reception, said, “Armenia attaches
great significance to the further deepening and strengthening of
multi-content mutual relations with Canada. Armenia is successfully
developing relations with many countries which are thousands of
kilometers away and we have an intention to undertake active steps
for more developing the friendly cooperation with Canada. I have paid
a visit to Canada with that very message”.

The ministers continued the dialogue over bilateral relations,
international and regional issues initiated 2 years ago in Quebec,
during the summit of the International Organization of Francophonie.

Over the last one year the heads of the Armenian and Canadian foreign
political departments have hold 5 meetings.

In the context of expansion of commercial and industrial relations,
Minister E. Nalbandyan noted that about 2 dozen of companies operate
in Armenia by the Canadian capital and their number can grow through
joint efforts. The Armenian and Canadian Foreign Ministers referred
to issues on establishing closer cooperation within the frameworks
of international organizations, and on consolidation of stability
and security in the South Caucasus region.

The interlocutors also referred to the steps undertaken by Armenia for
establishing Armenian-Turkish relations and to the latest developments
of the process. Edward Nalbandyan noted that the process will move
forward when the Turkish party will be ready to respect the agreements
– to ratify and implement the signed documents without preconditions.

Minister L. Cannon in his turn noted that Canada welcomes all the
efforts which will bring to establishment of normal relations between
Armenia and Turkey and to opening of the border.

E. Nalbandyan’s second meeting was with Peter Milliken, Speaker of
the House of Commons of Canada. During the conversation the current
stage of the Armenian-Canadian relations and the opportunities of their
expansion, the inter-parliamentary cooperation and the contribution of
the parliaments to the development of the cooperation were thoroughly
discussed.

The Armenian Minister expressed gratitude for recognition of the
Armenian Genocide by the parliament of Canada. The Armenian Foreign
Minister and the head of the Canadian parliament exchanged thoughts
over the regulation of Armenia-Turkish relations.

In the Canadian parliament E. Nalbandyan also had a meeting with
members representing different political forces of Canada-Armenia
Parliamentary Friendship Group.

E. Nalbandyan’s next meeting was with Canadian Minister of Citizenship,
Immigration and Multiculturism Mr. Jason Kenney.

Welcoming the Armenian Foreign Minister, J. Kenney said that he is
the friend of Armenia and of the Canadian-Armenian community, noting
that he always attentively follows the developments taking place in
Armenia and in the region.

Edward Nalbandyan expressed gratitude for the contribution of J.

Kenney to the development of the Armenian-Canadian relations. The
interlocutors also referred to the regional issues of the South
Caucasus.

The same day in the evening in the Armenian Embassy of Canada, E.

Nalbandyan met with representatives of the Canadian-Armenian community,
whom he presented both the upcoming and past meetings held in Ottawa,
and answered to numerous issues concerning the foreign policy of
Armenia.

From: A. Papazian

KARINE GHAZINYAN: “ARMENIA’S COOPERATION WITH THE EU PUT ON A HIGHER LEVEL”

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 1, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS: Since Armenia’s independence cooperation
with the EU remains one of the prior directions of the country’s
foreign policy, deputy foreign minister of Armenia Karine Ghazinyan
said in an interview to “Real Policy” program, noting that the
cooperation has been put on a higher level. According to her, it might
also be testified by the Brussels visit of the Armenian President
within the framework of which he had meetings with the heads of
European establishments as well as with the Belgian authorities.

“That meeting was important for us in respect that it was taking
place after a year when the “Eastern Partnership” was launched and in
high level meetings the president touched upon the results which have
already been registered and it was also spoken about the issues which
will appear,” the deputy minister said. According to her, the meetings
of the Armenian president with the heads of European establishments
were important, as it was the first one after the Lisbon agreement.

Referring to the association agreement within the framework of the
“Eastern Partnership”, Karine Ghazinyan noted that according to the
initial information the negotiations in that direction will launch
from July.

Speaking about the works on creation of free trade zone,
Karine Ghazinyan said that in Armenia the deep and comprehensive
coordination of trade will proceed under the auspices of the Armenian
Economy Ministry with the coordination of the Foreign Ministry. An
inter-departmental group has been created headed by Nerses Yeritsyan
and all the establishments are participating in it.

As to the steps directed toward the facilitation of entrance visa
regimes to the EU countries, she noted that Armenia has always
discussed the process at the negotiations with the European partners.

She also added that it is intended to establish Armenia-EU
freedom-justice sub-committee the first session of which will take
place July 6. The deputy minister expressed conviction that at the
session concrete events will be discussed and the issue will get
final solution.

From: A. Papazian

PRESIDENTS MEDVEDEV AND SARGSYAN DISCUSS ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL ISSUES

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 1, 2010
ROSTOV-ON-DON

Meeting of the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Russian
President Dmitry Medvedev took place today in Rostov-on-Don. The
parties discussed a number of economic and regional issues.

Medvedev said that he is planning to inform the Armenian President
about the results of several meetings with the European partners,
including the ones connected with the normalization of the
Armenian-Turkish relations. He thanked Serzh Sargsyan for the
participation in the events dedicated to the 65th anniversary of
victory in the Great Patriotic War. Medvedev said it shows “how close
our states are and how the strategic relations between our countries
are dynamically developing”.

From: A. Papazian

V. HOVHANNISYAN, “MANY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BULGARIAN SOCIALISTIC PARTY WERE NOT ENCOURAGED BY THE RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT”

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 1, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS: In the resolution 2216 adopted by the
European Parliament head of the NA ARF faction Vahan Hovhannisyan
sees several risks in addition to the one that Armenia is called
to take the armed forces out from the “occupied territories” of the
neighborhood of Nagorno Karabakh.

The resolution has been adopted in the basis of a report of member
of the Bulgarian delegation Yevgeny Kirilov.

V. Hovhannisyan noted at a meeting with journalists that the resolution
proposes that the French co-presidency in the OSCE Minsk Group in NKR
negotiations is replaced by another mandate, “This is dangerous for
us, as an opportunity is afforded to change the co-chairing country
from time to time with countries, in the policy of which the Turkish
influence is notable. Suchlike change will abruptly change the balance
of the formed forced in the OSCE Minsk Group,” V.

Hovhannisyan noted.

According to V. Hovhannisyan, the resolution also included a proposal
on establishing a union of the Black Sea region. “Currently there
is the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, which
only has an economic orientation, and the intended union will have
exclusively a political significance, where Turkey and Russia will
take a prevailing position.

Establishment of closer relations between Russia and Turkey must be a
precept for us, the history has proved that. In any case, Armenia must
never agree to affiliate to this union,” V. Hovhannisyan said. In his
opinion, by establishing a union of states of the Black Sea region,
the EU aims to push away Turkey, which knocks at the door of the EU
for many years. “In such a way the EU will cooperate with Turkey and
Russia simultaneously not letting these countries closer,” the member
of the ARF faction said.

Lately V. Hovhannisyan participated in a forum organized by the
Socialistic Part of Bulgaria, in which Yevgeny Kirilov partook. “I
had meetings with the representatives of the Socialistic Party of
Bulgaria ad presented the truth on the Nagorno Karabakh issue. Many
of them were not encouraged by the resolution adopted by the European
Parliament,” V. Hovhannisyan said.

From: A. Papazian

SEYRAN OHANYAN RECEIVES RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR AND NEWLY APPOINTED MILITARY ATTACHE

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 1, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan
received today Russian ambassador to Armenia Vyacheslav Kovalenko on
the occasion of ending of the tenure of military attache Alexander
Frolov and the appointment of Yevgeni Vassilev.

Press service of the Defense Ministry told Armenpress that the minister
expressed gratitude to A. Frolov for activating Armenian-Russian
military cooperation and expressed conviction that during the tenure
of Yevgeni Vassilev the cooperation will boost more.

From: A. Papazian