Author: Andres-Papazian

COOPERATION BETWEEN ARMENIA AND ARKHANGELSK OBLAST TO BE EXTENDED

ARMENPRESS
MAY 31, 2010
ARKHANGELSK

The delegation, headed by RA Ambassador to Russia Oleg Yesayan, paid
May 30 a visit to Arkhangelsk Oblast and met with the authorities
of one of the biggest federal subjects of Russia. During the meeting
the two sides discussed issues, directed to the rise in the level of
cooperation between Armenia and Arkhangelsk.

Mr. Oleg Yesayan mentioned in his speech that the RA President Serzh
Sargsyan considers the rise in the level of cooperation with various
regional communities of states and extension of the socio-economic
relations with them to be quite important.

‘We have an Armenian community in Arkhangelsk. Tourism is developing
in Armenia, and we can collaborate in this sector.’ Oleg Yesayan said.

He added that the Armenian-Russian relations have a strategic
importance, and so there is an intention to strengthen and develop
the cooperation with various federal subjects of Russia.

Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast Ilya Mikhalchuk says they have a
great desire to develop the cooperation with Armenia. He added that
though Arkhangelsk Oblast is the biggest federal subject in Russia,
it has a plenty of problems. He says more than 1000 Armenians live
in Arkhangelsk and they play a great role in the life of the Oblast.

‘There is no any event, in which Armenians do not partake. They have
been, are and will be good constructors. We have a lot to learn from
them,’ Ilya Mikhalchuk said. He added that the economic cooperation
with Armenia is increasing intensively.

The bilateral trade-economic circulation has increased three times in
the recent two years: it reached over 3 billion USD. According to Mr.

Ilya Mikhalchuk, Armenia mainly imports to Arkhangelsk alcoholic
beverage, and Arkhangelsk exports to Armenia various sorts of fishes.

Governor of RA Vayots Dzor province Vardges Matevosyan presented
to his counterpart the economic conditions of the region and spoke
about the possible ways of cooperation. He reminded that Vayots
Dzor province has a number of health resorts in Jermuk, as well as
some reserves of mineral water and agricultural production. ‘We are
sure that the cooperation between these two regions will appear to be
successful. We have made a plenty of arrangements in this direction,’
Mr. Vardges Matevosyan reported journalists.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA IS FOR THE INITIATIVE OF RF PRESIDENT ABOUT THE EUROPEAN SECURITY TREATY

ARMENPRESS
MAY 31, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS: The first outgoing session of the
Collective Security Treaty Organization’s Parliamentary Assembly
was conducted today in the Armenian National Assembly with the
participation of parliamentary delegations of Armenia, Russia,
Belarus, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Chairman of the Russian State
Duma, President of the CSTO PA Boris Grizlov said that with respectful
reasons delegation of Kyrgyzstan is not participating in the session.

Fifteen issues have been discussed, a special attention has been
paid to the Russian President Dmitri Medvedev’s initiative about the
European Security Treaty.

Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan said that
Armenia assists this initiative of the Russian president. “Armenia
headed by President Serzh Sargsyan supports the initiative of the
Russian President as the adoption of the document means establishment
of joint security territory where equal security will be ensured for
all the states and none will have a right to ensure own security on
the account of the others,” Hovik Abrahamyan said.

He noted that Armenia is CSTO’s reliable partner and ally and is
actively participating in the works of the establishment.

Hovik Abrahamyan said that the CSTO is not today just a
military-political organization it is universal and is successfully
cooperating with other international organizations. In his opinion
today when the new challenges are becoming more obvious the formation
of collective security system becomes more urgent for the defense of
the national interests of the CSTO member-states.

CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha said that such meetings have
great importance for the implementation of the further programs. “The
organization is called to ensure the security of the member-states
within the framework of the international right. Other international
organizations may also cooperate with the establishment – NATO, OSCE,
CIS and others,” Nikolay Bordyuzha said.

At the press conference followed the session the president of the CSTO
PA Boris Grizlov said that the member-states of the organization are
jointly for Medvedev’s initiative about the European Security Treaty.

From: A. Papazian

HOVIK ABRAHAMYAN RECEIVES CHAIRMAN OF THE BELARUSIAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES VLADIMIR ANDREYCHENKO

ARMENPRESS
MAY 31, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS: Armenian National Assembly Chairman
Hovik Abrahamyan received today chairman of the Belarusian National
Assembly’s House of Representatives Vladimir Andreychenko who is in
Armenia to participate in the CSTO PA outgoing session in Yerevan.

NA public relations department told Armenpress that during the meeting
issues on inter-parliamentary cooperation have been discussed. The
interlocutors noted the necessity of boosting ties between the two
parliaments and exchange of experience. Cooperation in international
establishments have also been highlighted.

From: A. Papazian

SERZH SARGSYAN RECEIVES HEADS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATIONS OF THE CSTO MEMBER-STATES

ARMENPRESS
MAY 31, 2010
YEREVAN

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan received today heads of the
parliamentary delegations of the CSTO member-states who arrived in
Armenia to take part in the first outgoing session of the CSTO PA
conducted in Yerevan.

Presidential press office told Armenpress that highlighting the
conduction of the session in Armenia, President S. Sargsyan said
that our country gives great significance to the CSTO formation and
consolidation, the integration processes taking place within the
framework of the establishment. “It is not accidental that among
the 31 agreements signed within the framework of the CSTO 30 have
already been approved by the Armenian National Assembly,” the leader
of the country pointed out. Noting that even the greatest countries
not always manage to overcome the alarming challenges, Serzh Sargsyan
said that for countries like Armenia, the integration processes are
of prior significance.

President of the CSTO PA, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Boris
Grizlov noted that the Yerevan gathering is the first outgoing session
of the CSTO PA. The heads of the parliamentary delegations thanked
for the warm reception and noted that constructive and interesting
discussion was conducted over the issues of the agenda. They expressed
confidence that the Yerevan outgoing session will give new impetus
to the CSTO parliamentary element.

The head of the country said he is sure that the results of the Yerevan
session will contribute to the consolidation of the establishment
and increase of the further efficiency of partnership among the
member-states.

From: A. Papazian

RA MINISTRY OF FINANCE: DECREASE IS RECORDED IN STATE PRICES FOR PRECIOUS METALS

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 31, 2010 – 19:26 AMT 14:26 GMT

The State Depository of Precious Metals and Gemstones Agency at the RA
Ministry of Finance set the government purchase and release prices per
gram of chemically pure metal (standard bullion) for May 31-June 6,
2010, the press office of the RA Ministry of Finance reported.

According to information provided, the set prices are as follows: Gold:
purchase price: AMD 13516.90 (-227.63), release price: AMD 14692.28
(-247.43); Silver: purchase price: AMD 203.44 (-6.65), release price:
AMD 221.13 (-7.23); Platinum: purchase price: AMD 17201.10 (-1110.75),
release price: AMD 18696.85 (-1207.33); Palladium: purchase price is
AMD 5050.92 (-290.04), release price is AMD 5490.13 (-315.26).

From: A. Papazian

CONSUMER PRICES UP 1% IN ARMENIA IN MAY

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 31, 2010 – 14:41 AMT 09:41 GMT

Consumer prices went up by 1% in Armenia in May 2010, according to
the RA National Statistical Service.

Prices for food increased by 1,8%, the fact being conditioned
by 10.4-16.7% rise in prices for vegetables and fruit. Prices for
nonfoods increased by 0.9%. Service tariffs grew by 0.2%.

From: A. Papazian

Tension in Turkey-Israel relations
31.05.2010 18:14

Lena Badeyan
`Radiolur’

The Turkish Israeli relations have become extremely strained today.
The Israeli navy stormed the Freedom Flotilla earlier on Monday, a
humanitarian aid convoy en route to the impoverished Gaza Strip. The
convoy was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters,
some 150km (90 miles) off the coast of the Gaza Strip, resulting in a
number of human losses. Turkey, whose nationals comprised the majority
of those on board, accused Israel of “targeting innocent civilians.”
.
`The events will not grow into large-scale war,’ Turkologist Ruben
Melkonyan told `Radiolur.’

`Of course, the tension will increase, since there have been about 20
victims and the Turkish Prime Minister has cut short his visit to
Latin America and returned to Turkey. The Government is holding an
extraordinary sitting. I think there will be a response from the
Turkish side, but it won’t be a military response, since the ties
between Turkey and Israel are deeper. I do not believe that this will
grow into deep confrontation,’ Ruben Melkonyan said.

From: A. Papazian

ASHOT OSIPYAN: CONSOLIDATION OF ARMENIAN BANKS WILL CONTINUE

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 31, 2010 – 15:35 AMT 10:35 GMT

At May 31 news conference, Araratbank CEO Ashot Osipyan forecasted
ongoing consolidation of Armenian commercial banks, characterizing
the latter as natural process.

“Given RA GDP volume and local population size, 11-15 commercial
banks are optimal to Armenia,” Ashot Osipyan stated.

On March 31, 2010 Ameriabank and Cascade Bank signed consolidation
agreement.

From: A. Papazian

FIRST ARMENIA-QATAR INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING EXPECTED BY YEAREND

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 31, 2010 – 17:34 AMT 12:34 GMT

Armenian delegation led by RA Territorial Administration Minister
Armen Gevorgyan left for Qatar on a working visit. The delegation
will participate in international conference entitled Free Trade,
Development and Democracy due May 31 in Doha.

During his visit, RA Territorial Administration Minister met Emir of
the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Al Thani to discuss
ways to develop bilateral relations. The parties focused on the first
Armenia-Qatar intergovernmental committee meeting expected by yearend,
emphasizing importance of committee activities.

In conclusion, Qatar Emir expressed willingness to participate in
implementation of regional projects and development of partner
relations between the two states, RA Territorial Administration
Ministry press service reported.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN FENCERS WIN 7 MEDALS AT KUTAISI INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 31, 2010 – 18:21 AMT 13:21 GMT

Kutaisi, Georgia hosted international fencing championship with
Armenian, Georgian, Turkish and Azeri sportsmen participating.

Armenian fencers performed successfully at the championship, gaining
7 medals.

Armen Gasparyan and Gevorg Harutyunyan came 1st and 2nd in rapier
fencing discipline. Spartak Harutyunyan excelled in sword fencing
discipline, followed by Robert Khachartyan.

Susanna Ghazaryan won women’s rapier fencing tournament; Hasmik
Aghababyan and Manik Hakobyan came 3rd in the same discipline.

“Armenian team will participate in June 25-28 Batumi international
tournament as well as European Championship due July 16-20 in
Germany,” RA Fencing Federation Secretary General Artashes Madoyan
told PanARMENIAN.Net

From: A. Papazian