Author: Badalian Vardan

RUSSIAN ANALYSTS OBVIOUSLY OVERESTIMATE SBERBANK CAPITAL COMPANY’S TRANSACTION ON PURCHASE OF SHARES OF PARAMOUNT GOLD MINING

arminfo
Wednesday, July 18, 02:33

Russian analysts have obviously overestimated Sberbank Capital
(former Troika Dialog) company’s transaction on the purchase of the
shares of Paramount Gold Mining by determining its value at 40-45 mln
USD, an expert in the sphere of ore mining industry in Armenia, who
wished to remain anonymous, told ArmInfo. He said that the Russian
investment analysts are not so well aware of the peculiarities of
the Armenian market and do not understand the whole truth of such
purchase schemes. He pointed out that there are certain moments,
which allow saying that the transaction was most likely of a purely
financial nature, and its amount was overestimated at least threefold.

To recall, it was announced on July 12 that the Russian “Sberbank
Capital” Ltd (subsidiary of OJSC “Sberbank of Russia”) purchased 49%
of the shares of the company owning the Lusajur gold project in Kotayk
region of Armenia. The license for development of the Lusajur deposit
belongs to CJSC “Paramount Gold Mining” registered in Armenia. The
owner of the shares was an Armenian businessman Tigran Arzakantsyan,
who sold 49% of the shares to the Russian investor.

According to ArmInfo’s source, the value of such transactions is
mostly influenced by the level of gold content in the ore and by the
prime cost of the mine development, which is quite high given the
closed-type of the development. The source says that the information
about the estimated 18.5 tons gold reserves in the deposit approved
by the Soviet documents cannot be complete. These are only estimated
reserves, which cannot be a base for determining the fair price of
the package of shares.

Such transactions on the purchase of companies having licenses for
prospecting operations in the ore- mining sphere of Armenia are a
“gold vein” for those possessing them. The provision of licenses was
intensively carried out in the mid 2000s and today it brings surplus
profit to the license holders. According to unspecified data, only
the ex-MP Tigran Arzakantsyan, who, to all appearances, is the sole
owner of the company only formally, has concluded at least two similar
transactions with the Russian companies “Alrosa” and “Neva-Rus” over
the past few years. At that time the matter concerned 10-15 mln USD.

The source considers that the fact that the portfolio investors have
purchased a 49% package, which fails to give full control over the
company, may mean that the transaction on the search of investors is
not completed and will obviously have its continuation. As “Sberbank
Capital” is only a portfolio investor, it is not ruled out that
within the next few years the package of shares of Paramount Gold
Mining will be resold to a field-specific investor.

AZERI FOREIGN MINISTRY TO “BLACKLIST” 80 FOREIGN OBSERVERS AT NKR PRESIDENTIAL POLLS

PanARMENIAN.Net
July 18, 2012 – 14:22 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Azeri foreign ministry announced intention to
“blacklist” all international observers at Nagorno Karabakh
presidential elections.

Over 100 observers, including 80 international monitors, have been
registered for July 19 presidential polls. Which means, at one fling,
Azeri ministry will blacklist over 80 person from 18 countries
worldwide, with Baku soon to declare the majority of the earth’s
population persona non grata for visiting Artsakh.

Azeri ministry rose to expectations, believing itself entitled to
criticize electoral procedures in a neighboring state. The upcoming
polls were branded as a “provocation attempt,” “contrary to efforts
of Azerbaijan and international organizations for peaceful resolution
of the conflict.”

Continuing to shirk the responsibility for ongoing tensions, Baku
seems to be completely forgetting its incessant attempts to undermine
peace talks.

3 candidates to run for NKR presidency are: current leader Bako
Sahakyan; NKR MP, ex-deputy defense minister Vitaly Balasanyan;
Armenian State Agrarian University’s Stepanakert Subsidiary pro-rector
Arkady Soghomonyan.

274 electoral districts are open in NKR and 1 in Yerevan-located NKR
permanent representation.

“WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO GET CONFUSED IN THE ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS ANYMORE,” ARMENIAN AND TURKISH POLITICAL SCIENTISTS SAY
Nelly GRIGORYAN

July 17, 2012 15:43

Although possible changes in Turkey seem improbable to many people,
Ozgur Unluhisarcýklý, the German Marshal Fund Ankara Office director,
is convinced that after the election to take place in Turkey in 2014,
substantial changes will take place in Turkey itself, which will have
a substantial impact on the external political course, including the
Armenian-Turkish relations.

He thinks that most probably the “Russian version” will be employed,
President Gul will become the Prime Minister and Prime Minister Erdoðan
will assume the President’s office. Ozgur Unluhisarcýklý thinks such
developments will have a positive impact on the Armenian-Turkish
relations, since it is well-known that according to the Turkish
Constitution, the main powers are given to the Prime Minister and
the President plays more of a symbolic role and Gul is known for
his positive approach to the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish
relations and solving issues more through peaceful negotiations.

Referring to a set of economic prerequisites, he thinks that it is
not probable that the Nagorno-Karabakh issue will be taken out of the
package of normalizing relations with Armenia. However, he thinks
that in 2014, a new window will be opened in the Armenian-Turkish
relations and we don’t have the right to get confused anymore.

Let us inform that the latter is in Armenia, at the invitation of
the Analytical Center on Globalization and Regional Cooperation,
in the framework of discussions on the subject The Current State of
the Armenian-Turkish Relations. inquired of Stepan
Grigoryan, the head of the Analytical Center on Globalization and
Regional Cooperation, what significance discussions on the subject had
in the current frozen state of the Armenian-Turkish formal relations.

Our interlocutor noted that regardless of the fact whether there
was an active political process under way or not, discussions in
social, intellectual, expert circles should continue. “In the end,
the Armenian-Turkish relations will be normalized, since Armenia’s
and Turkey’s opinions on a lot of issues are close. Until there is
a necessity to normalize relations at the state level, we should
continue creating an atmosphere of mutual trust. Who could imagine
that the relations between Iran and Azerbaijan would worsen to the
level of war and local wars in the region between the two Muslim
countries would become probable. Or the current relations between
Turkey and Israel that they expel ambassadors. So, the world changes
and we should lay the foundation now and break the stereotypes of
our society, one of which is ‘the Russian is an eternal friend and
the Turk is an enemy.’ By the way, the lack of formal relations is
the very reason that we cannot promote close opinions.”

Our interlocutor still avoids making public the set of issues, on
which the approaches of Armenia and Turkey are very close.

ARMENIAN DOCTORS DEMAND THAT MEDICAL SERVICES BE MADE MORE ACCESSIBLE

arminfo
Wednesday, July 18, 02:28

Armenia’s health care sector needs serious reforms as people
are growing increasingly displeased with the quality of medical
services and more and more aggressive towards doctors, the Republican
Association of Medical Trade Unions of Armenia says in its open letter
to President Serzh Sargsyan.

“The reforms carried out so far have failed to solve the key problem
of the health care sector – to make medical services more accessible.

Things will get even worse if the budgetary financing of the sector
remains just 1.5% of the GDP,” the Armenian doctors say, urging the
President to take measures to make medical services accessible to
each citizen as required by the Constitution

NKR IS FULLY READY FOR ELECTIONS: TODAY IS A SILENCE DAY IN ARTSAKH

ARMENPRESS
18 July, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JULY 18, ARMENPRESS: July 18 is a silence day in
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic: The fifth presidential elections in NKR will
take place on July 19. Armenpress was informed from Central Electoral
Commission of NKR that during the elections 21 observers from local
organizations and 103 observers from foreign countries will hold
observer mission. Among the local organizations are “Union of Armenians
in Russia”, “Kashataghchiner” NGO, “Union of Journalists of NKR”, Youth
organization generation of Hayk” and “Democratic Diplomatic Institute”
NGO. 103 international observers represent various scientific, public
organizations, electoral systems, parliaments. In order to conduct an
observer mission on July 18 delegation of Armenian National Assembly
headed by Vice President of National Assembly Eduard Sharmazanov left
for Artsakh.

274 electoral centers have been formed, one of which is in the Republic
of Armenia – in the diplomatic mission of RKE in Armenia.

98 909 people have the right to take part in the elections. Around
102 000 ballots have been published.

The communication with all territorial electoral commissions is
secured, the buildings and territorial centers of electoral commissions
are secured with electricity, are tested and adapted to anti-fire
security rules, events are planned by the sphere of culture in order
to hold the vacation and rest of the voters at the voting day.

The public order will be secured during the whole period of election
by the proxy body including the free activity of electoral commissions
and their members, the keeping of territorial centers’ buildings,
the accompanying the transport which transfer the electoral documents
to commissions.

KOMITAS, MAN OF MUSIC
Cynthia Citron

Examiner.com

July 18 2012

Armenia~UAtwater Village.Rating for Play “Komitas”

3..AdvertisementIf you’re Armenian you’ll love Komitas. If you’re not,
the play may seem a little obscure. It’s the story of a 19th century
musicologist who made it his life’s work to collect the music of his
country—the folk songs, the liturgy, the classics—so that they
would remain pure and free from the myriad influences of other cultures
that had invaded and settled in the country throughout its history.

“Song is a crimson thread woven through our culture,” he says. “But the
Armenian heart is not ours alone. It is Syrian and Indian and Persian.”

In addition, Komitas was a composer and a priest, a teacher, and the
founder and conductor of an acclaimed national choir.

In Lilly Thomassian’s play, now having its world premiere at the Circle
X Theater in Atwater Village, Komitas’ life is presented in a loose,
back and forth manner, interspersed with dreams and fantasies and
doubts. Jesse Einstein, who plays Komitas with earnest devotion,
is often joined onstage by Arthur Parian who plays his younger,
orphaned self.

Komitas was a rebel who was indulged by the church even as he went
his own way. But he maintained his loyalty even after he fell in love
with the beautiful singer, Margaret (Gina Manziello). Manziello’s
glorious voice brings the plaintive Armenian music to life, and the
Armenians in the audience, who understood the words, to tears.

The historical period that Komitas lived through comes to a head in
1915 during the brutal genocide fomented by the Turks, (“There is deep
sorrow that characterizes our Armenian soul,” he says) and the events
through which he suffered eventually drove him mad. He spent the final
20 years of his life in total silence in a mental institution in Paris.

Despite the occasional comments in Armenian, the play, which is a
historical documentary as well as a touching love story, is easily
understood, if a trifle too long and repetitious.

Director Pavel Cerny has done a skillful job of telling Komitas’
story while adding some distinctive touches: for example, half a
dozen players evoke the long death march instigated by the Turks by
stamping their feet rhythmically in place for long minutes. It’s an
effectively chilling moment.

Further, the nine ensemble players continually morph into other
characters, making lightning-fast costume changes as they represent
dozens of different individuals.

The ensemble acting is generally good, and Jesse Einstein, who remains
onstage for the full two-and-a-half hours, is especially commendable
in the lead.

It’s an interesting and absorbing play, but as I indicated earlier,
it helps if you’re Armenian.

Komitas, produced by the Armenian Cultural Movement, will continue
at the Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Avenue, in Los Angeles,
Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6 through August
19th. Call (818) 551-1234 for reservations.

YEREVAN, STEPANAKERT SLAM ANKARA FOR MEDDLING IN KARABAKH

Asbarez
Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

Karabakh voters take part in parliamentary elections in May 2010
(photo by photolur)

YEREVAN (Combined Sources)-Official Yerevan and Stepanakert on
Wednesday slammed Ankara for meddling in the internal affairs of
Karabakh, after the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement
“strongly condemning” Thursday’s president elections in the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan said that Turkish
authorities, who continue to deny the Armenian Genocide, which was
perpetrated by their predecessors, have no moral or ethical rights to
try to “teach” Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic any lessons,
let alone make false comments about UN Security Council decisions and
OSCE principles.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry claimed
that the upcoming elections in Karabakh ran counter to OSCE principles
and UN Security Council’s decisions.

“Turkey, which always supports Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity,
strongly condemns these illegal ‘elections’ and will not acknowledge
its results,” said the Turkish Foreign Ministry’s statement, adding
that “The continued occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh is a serious
obstacle to stability and peace in the South Caucasus.”

Deputy Foreign Minister Kocharyan said that instead of satisfying its
urge to teach others lessons it should advise itself “to not organize
elections and withdraw its troops from north Cyprus and free it from
occupation.”

“However, if Turkey is indeed sincere and not being guided by
Azerbaijani interests, then it is a very good opportunity for Turkey
to offer Azerbaijan assistance in organizing democratic elections and
take lessons from Karabakh in establishing a state based on democratic
values,” said Kocharyan.

Nagorno-Karabakh Republic presidential spokesman David Babayan also
echoed Kocharyan’s sentiments saying that Turkey has no political or
moral right to comment on the upcoming presidential elections.

“We are already used to Turkey’s destructive approach,” said Babayan.

“Instead of criticizing the upcoming democratic, free and fair
presidential elections in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Turkey should
reconsider the activities of the Turkish-sponsored authorities of
north Cyprus, its own questionable democratic values regarding
national minorities and should recognize the biggest crime against
humanity-the Armenian Genocide of 1915.”

L’AUTRICHE EXPULSE DES DANSEURS AZERIS REFUSANT D’EXECUTER LE BALLET GAYANE
Stephane

armenews.com
jeudi 19 juillet 2012

Le Ministre autrichien de la Culture a exige le renvoi de danseurs
de ballet azeris presents a l’Europaballett St Polten en raison
de leur refus de participer au ballet Gayane consacre a L’artiste
armenien Gayane Khachaturian. Les frères, Mehman et Nariman Mardanov
ont refuse d’etre implique dans le projet, causant le mecontentement
parmi la societe autrichienne.

” Je devine la logique des frères Mardanov qui leur dit que la
musique du grand compositeur Aram Khachaturian ne doit pas etre joue
où se trouvent des Azeris ” a declare le president de la Fondation
Khachaturian Valeriy Khanukaev. ” C’est absolument inacceptable pour
des artistes de promouvoir leurs haines sur scène ” a note Valeriy
Khanukaev soulignant l’importance de diffuser la tolerance parmi la
nouvelle generation.

MAFIA CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO VEGAS FOR SOME FRIENDLY PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE

Las Vegas Weekly

July 18 2012

Poker players: Your game sucks. By comparison, at least. If you
really want to put your bluffing and reasoning skills to the test,
you have to play Mafia.

Mafia is big in Russia and Armenia, but Maf World Cup director Armen
Hagopjanian wanted to hold the first-ever international championship in
Las Vegas at the Tropicana. Why? Because the Trop used to be owned by
the Mob and because it plays host to the newly refurbished interactive
Mob Attraction.

Nearly 80 Mafia players flew in from Russia, Armenia and LA to compete
for a chunk of the $30,000 prize pool. How’d they look? Like young KGB
recruits. Seriously, if you’d wandered into the Tropicana convention
area last weekend, you would have thought they were the real deal.

Usually, in game settings, I’m the competitive gunner. At the Trop,
I was the goof-off.

As a result, I was underestimated. Although I’ve never played Maf Club
Mafia before, I have played a similar game, also called Mafia. In
fact, I’ve hosted dozens of Mafia parties and introduced hundreds
of people to the game. The rules of Maf Club Mafia and Rick Lax
Mafia are very different, but the skill sets (persuading, lying,
reconsidering, thinking ahead) are identical. In each game of Maf
Club Mafia, 10 players are assigned secret roles: Three are Mafia,
seven are Citizens. The Mafia members know who’s who, but the Citizens
are clueless. The Mafia tries to kill off the Citizens before the
Citizens figure out who’s in the Mafia. Victory goes to whichever
team accomplishes its goal first.

I decided to pony up $333 of my own money to compete. Poker players
have a term for this: “dead money.”

The first game, I drew the “Don” card and led my fellow Mafioso to
a “clean” victory, meaning we assassinated all the Citizens before
they outed any of us. After the game, I went to shake the hand of
one of the Citizens and give him the obligatory “good game.” He
looked me square in the eyes and said in a thick Russian accent,
“I’m not shaking your hand.” He wasn’t kidding.

After my third game-another Mafioso victory for yours truly-one
girl started telling people that I was lying about being a reporter,
that she’d seen me playing in the LA Maf Club before.

After 11 games, I was ranked No. 4 and had made it to the final table.

My fellow finalists: Rustamov, Bakunts, Khachatryan, Apoyan,
Mkrtoumian, Gharibjanyan, Tokhatyan, Hovsepyan, and Petrosyan.

Yet again, I drew the Don card. Only this time, the Citizens were
flawless. They outed us one-by-one, swiftly and surely. I lost. Badly.

And I hate losing, but it’s hard to be upset when I was so clearly
outmatched.

I walked away with tremendous respect for the Citizens who vanquished
me, for director Hagopjanian and for game host Hayk Petrosyan. And
for making the final table, I walked away with $1,500, too.

During the closing ceremony, the Russian guy who’d refused to shake
my hand tracked me down. He shook my hand, patted me on the back and
told me, “You play well.” I told him the same. And I’m positive we
both meant it.

TBILISI HOLDS LEVON OSIPOV’S CERAMICS WORK EXHIBITION (PHOTO)

July 18, 2012 | 21:15

TBILISI. – An exhibition devoted to the 75-anniversary of the famous
ceramics art master Levon Osipov opened on Monday in Hayartun cultural
center at the Georgian diocese of the Armenian Church.

It was initiated by Hayartun center and the Union of the Armenian
Artists in Georgia, Armenian Embassy in Georgia, as well as supported
by the Armenian Ministries of Culture and Diaspora.

Praising high the ceramist Osipov’s art and devotion to his birthplace
Tbilisi, Georgian art critic Merab Metreveli handed the diploma of
the Georgian Union of Artists, awarding Osipov for the jubilees of
75th anniversary and 50th creative activity.