Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

Armenian Government to reduce budget deficit to 1.7% due to increasing
foreign debt to 50% in GDP

arminfo
Saturday, October 22, 15:21

The Government of Armenia is going to reduce the budget deficit to
1.7% against the targeted 2.4% in 2014 due to increasing the foreign
debt in GDP to 50% from the current 40%, Armenian Prime Minister
Tigran Sargsyan said at the first scientific conference of the
Economic Association of Armenia on Saturday. The conference will last
till October 24 at the State University of Economics.

He pointed out that over the 10 years preceding the global crisis, due
to the satisfactory macroeconomic situation and availability of
reserves in Armenia, the share of foreign debt in GDP was reduced to
17%. According to the premier, the international financial
organizations, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and
the IMF, provided Armenia with loans, which allowed managing the
budget deficit.

“Today the Government of Armenia attaches much importance to the
macroeconomic stability and reduction of the budget deficit”, Sargsyan
said. He added that the achievement of the indices planned for the
short-term outlook will allow creating a more sustainable
macroeconomic environment and better preparing for the blows of the
expected second wave of the crisis. He also pointed out that if it is
envisaged to complete the year 2011 with at least 4.6% economic growth
(over Jan-Sept 2011 it made up 5%), the forecast of GDP growth for
2012 is more restrained – 4.2%.

The premier said that in 2012 the Armenian Government is to work out
several scenarios of resistance against the second wave of the global
economic crisis. He reminded that the previous crisis, which started
from the mortgage market of the U.S., did not affect the banking
system of Armenia due to the high level of capitalization and
liquidity. Moreover, the crisis in Armenia did not start from the
financial system due to the lack of hot money, unlike Ukraine,
Kazakhstan or Russia. The first wave of the crisis affected the real
sector of the country, particularly, the construction, where annual
decline has been observed since 2009, which made up 20% over Jan-Sept
2011 vs Jan-Sept 2010.

Given the fact that the program on development of Armenian economy and
the measures against the new wave of the crisis should be worked out
in line with the situation in the world economy, Sargsyan said that
the world economy remains highly vulnerable, and the experts think
that the crisis situation in the world will last for 5-6 years. “The
global economic situation continues worsening. According to the latest
publication of the WB, the forecast of the global economic growth is
reduced by 0.5-0.6% for 2011-2013. These clarifications concern not
only developed countries, but also the developing ones. The main
risks are connected with the EU countries, and the most alarming
situation in Italy and Portugal”, the premier said.

The second important factor for Armenia’s economy is the economic
situation in Russia, which essentially depends on the export of ore
products, and over 40% of Russia’s budget is formed due to the export
of oil, the world price of which, as the WB forecasts, will decline by
3% in 2012. “Taking this into account, one can say that the forecasts
for economic growth in Russia – over 4.5% are realistic”, Sargsyan
said.

According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, over
Jan-June 2011 the foreign debt of Armenia grew by 4.4% to $3442.565
mln or 87.3% of the total national debt (1269.825 bln AMD). The budget
deficit of Armenia, which amounted to 4.98% in 2010, will make up
3.95% in 2011, 3.1% in 2012, and by 2014 it will drop to 2.4%, the
government forecasts. Over Jan-Aug 2011 the budget deficit amounted to
14.7 bln AMD. The budget revenues grew by 9.7% to 552.144 bln AMD, and
the budget expenditures rose by 7% to 566.9 bln AMD.

From: Baghdasarian

Bako Sahakyan: Bringing Azerbaijan into the constructive stream was
among the pivotal issues of the conflict settlement process

(Noyan Tapan – 22.10.2011)

On 22 October President Bako Sahakyan met co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk
group Robert Bradtke (USA), Igor Popov (Russian Federation) and
Bernard Fassier (France).

Issues related to the Azerbaijani-Karabagh conflict settlement and
regional developments were discussed during the meeting.

President Sahakyan underlined that Azerbaijan continues the
anti-Armenian and anti-Karabagh propaganda, violates the cease-fire
regime and boosts its militarization, thus seriously hindering the
conflict settlement prospects as well as maintenance of regional and
international security. The Head of the State noted that bringing
Azerbaijan into the constructive stream was among the pivotal issues
of the conflict settlement process.

The significance of continuing the negotiation process based on a
direct dialogue and unacceptability of any forceful solution were
mutually noted. Both sides stressed that to secure a palpable progress
in the negotiation process an atmosphere of mutual trust should be
created and corresponding steps towards this direction should be
carried out.

Artsakh Republic acting foreign minister Vassily Atajanyan, personal
representative of the OSCE chairman-in-office Andrzej Kasprzyk and
other officials were present at the meeting,

the Central Information Department of the Office of the Artsakh
Republic President informs.

From: Baghdasarian

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I blesses the foundation of St. Garabed
Church of Las Vegas

(Noyan Tapan – 22.10.2011)

LOS ANGELES, ANTELIAS – On Wednesday, October 19, 2011, His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I, accompanied by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, Clergy and Councils members, arrived in Las
Vegas where over the next two days the Pontiff met with community
members and blessed the foundation of St. Garabed Church.

Upon their arrival, His Holiness an entourage were welcomed by Parish
Pastor Archpriest Fr. Avedis Torossian, Parish Council members, and
Las Vegas Pontifical Visit main sponsors Mr. and Mr. Alex and Arda
Yemenidjian, who also hosted His Holiness to a dinner that evening.
During the dinner, His Holiness spoke with high regards of the
Yemenidjian family, and of the dedicated service of Mrs. Yemenidjian’s
mother Verjine Koujakian who was one of the founders of the Las Vegas
Church Sunday School.

On the afternoon of Thursday, October 20, His Holiness was hosted to
lunch by the Parish Council, with the participation of representatives
from the ARF “Ishkhan” Gomideh and sister organizations.

Late afternoon, His Holiness and entourage arrived at the St. Garabed
Church and Community Center complex, where over 300 community members
were gathered, enthusiastically awaiting the arrival of the Pontiff
for the groundbreaking and blessing of the Church foundation. Church
benefactor Mr. Larry Barnes participated in the service, as did Clark
County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani. Representatives from the
offices of Governor Brian Sandoval, Senator Harry Reid, Senator Dean
Heller, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, and Congressman Dr. Joe Heck
were also present.

With the “Hrashapar” hymn, His Holiness entered the complex and
conducted the traditional blessing of salt and bread, after which ARS
Saturday School students presented a cultural program.

Thus began the blessing of the foundation ceremony.

His Holiness consecrated the Church dome and altar crosses, and the
Prelate consecrated the 16 pillars, which represent the 12 apostles,
the four Gospel writers, and St. Gregory the Illuminator, the
foundations of our Church.

Following the groundbreaking and blessing, His Holiness congratulated
the Parish community on their great achievement, conveyed the
importance of working together with faith, hope, and love, and
expressed his wish that the project reach its successful completion in
the near future. Speaking on what it means to build a church, His
Holiness stated that our church belongs to our people, the people are
our church, and St. Garabed Church of Las Vegas will also be the
people’s church and will serve all indiscriminately.

The Prelate expressed gratitude to His Holiness for his Pontifical
visit to the Las Vegas community and pledged that all will work
towards of their mission with unwavering faith, hope, and love.

“Achahampouyr” followed, during which faithful received the blessings
of the Pontiff, after which His Holiness toured the complex,
expressing his contentment at the project and commending the service
of the Parish Priest, Parish Council, Ladies Auxiliary, and all
volunteers.

The Parish community set in motion their dream of having their own
church nearly two years ago, when by the generosity of benefactor
Larry Barnes, the current site was purchased. The benefaction of Mr.
Barnes was in memory of his wife Seda Der Garabedian-Barnes, and her
ancestors who had perished in the Genocide. The remodeling phase began
soon after, with first the completion of the hall, where services are
currently held. The second phase is the construction of the Church,
which will now proceed with the blessings of His Holiness. Once the
project is completed, the complex will serve as the spiritual and
cultural hub of the Las Vegas Armenian community.

In the evening, a banquet was held in honor of His Holiness at the
Tropicana Hotel, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Arda Yemenidjian.
Over 350 guests from different states had gathered to honor His
Holienss.

Mr. Yemenidjian welcomed His Holiness, expressing his thanks for what
he called a historic day.

Parish Council Chair Mr. Adroushan Armenian expressed thanks and
gratitude to His Holiness for blessing the Las Vegas community with
his Pontifical visit. He then spoke of the history of St. Garabed
Church and the stages that have led them to where they are today.
Addressing benefactor Mr. Larry Barnes, Mr. Armenian said, “The Las
Vegas Armenian community and all Armenians around the world are
grateful for your generous donations that motivated us to undertake
this important project.”

On behalf of the Executive Council, Mr. Vahan Bezdikian welcomed His
Holiness and expressed gratitude for the day. He noted how the Las
Vegas Armenian community has a decades-long history but it was just in
the last few years that they experienced a revival, which is evidenced
by the Church project currently underway. He commended the Parish
Council and affiliated bodies for their dedication, and thanked the
Yemenidjian family for hosting the visit.

The banquet included a cultural program of dances and recitations.

The Prelate expressed his appreciation and commended Mr. and Mr.
Yemenidjian for their commitment and service to our Church, and on
behalf of His Holiness presented them with a memento. The Prelate also
commended the Parish Priest and Council, and presented a hand cross to
the Church.

The Prelate joyfully welcomed the presence of faithful from Los
Angeles, Arizona, New Jersey, and Chicago. He reminded the guests that
the theme of the Pontifical Visit is “With faith we build”, and
stressed that with faith we will have spiritual renewal, with faith we
will serve for the continued progress of our schools, and with faith
we will continue to fight for the Armenian Cause. He then invited His
Holiness to deliver his message.

His Holiness once again greeted the Parish community and all those who
had journeyed to be a part of the historic day. He affirmed that the
establishment and livelihood of a community depends on collective
efforts, which is what leads to successful realization of endeavors.
The Pontiff urged all to serve for the collective good with unwavering
faith and strong determination, and concluded by once again commending
the hosts, Executive Council, sponsors and supporters.

From: Baghdasarian

Congress Must Learn

Haik Aramyan

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 15:32:36 – 22/10/2011

On October 28 the Armenian National Congress will hold a rally. After
the previous rally and the seven-day action of protest, the government
did not meet any of the demands of the Congress, and there are no
signs that it will. Moreover, the government announced that they will
not beg to resume the dialogue, as the Congress had demanded, and
yesterday the police arrested Vardges Gaspari, a Congress activist.

The Congress has two arrested activists ahead of the rally. On the eve
and the day of the rally, the government will certainly close the
roads to traffic and press the opposition activists.

The government does not allow for anything but an indefinite action of
protest. On the other hand, the Congress seems to have used all the
other means in its arsenal to keep the struggle within the framework
of a national movement and prevent it from being perceived as a
partisan movement.

Here is a vicious circle which we witness for three years now. And we
need to escape it rapidly.

In this meaning, the idea of holding Civil Forums at the Freedom
Square has considerable potential which does not seem to be getting
enough attention. The 24-hour and other actions are not dangerous for
the government. At least, the government always has certain ways and
levers to oppose them. Besides, after every stage the Congress has to
explain why no results were achieved, and every time a wave of
disappointment overwhelms the masses.

If the Civil Forum is maintained in the format of its name, it has
immense potential to address the issues raised by the Congress and the
society. Different civil initiatives have already proved that clear
definition of problems and precise work in their direction leads to
results. In addition, civil initiatives have proved that it is
possible to achieve goals through minimum resource, without
`consolidation’, `unity’, `pan-national assemblies’ which are old and
abstract notions.

The Congress and other political forces need not be upset that any
civil initiative achieves many more results than any partisan
movement. With their methods and definition of problems, these
initiatives are far ahead of the political forces.

Hence, it is time that the political forces learn from them and use
new technologies of struggle. Of course, if their goal is change in
the country.

From: Baghdasarian

Susi Kentikyan protects WIBF, WBA and WBO titles in Frankfurt (video)

12:28 – 22.10.11

Armenian boxing champion Susi Kentikian (29-0, 16 KOs) has added
another strap to her ever-growing assortment of titles after a
one-sided drubbing of tough but techincally weak 19-year old Thai
boxer Teeraporn Pannimit (14-4, 5 KOs), Boxingscene.com reported.

Kentikian gradually turned more and more aggressive and was close to
stopping the Thai in the later rounds with her non-stop attacks. The
German Armenian, who won a sweepout decision – 100-90 across the board
– is now WIBF, WBA and WBO flyweight champion.

Rising middleweight star Christina Hammer (11-0, 7 KOs) retained her
WBO/WBF titles with a convincing decision over tough-as-nails but
ultimately limited American Vashon Living (5-2, 1 KO). Living was…
well… livid and lively but her ring vitality and also her stature
were ultimately not enough to keep Hammer away, while Hammer did
exactly what her second name means, and finally got a well-deserved
unanimous decision over ten rounds. 100-90 (twice) and 99-91.

After six years of honorable activity inside the ring, 24-year old
German light heavyweight prodigy Xaxhi “Robin” Krasniqi (36-2, 12 KOs)
finally acquired his first professional regalia after an impressive
stoppage of usually durable Frenchman Abdelhakim Derghal (14-12-1, 8
KOs). The native of Algeria, now representing France, was never
actually in the fight with Krasniqi, who came forward behind an
educated left jab, landed a good right hand time and again and wisely
stepped back to avoid being hit.

Derghal was down in the third after a huge right hand by Krasniqi and
was floored by the very same punch in the fourth. He got up but was
obviously in no condition to continue as his corner waived the bout
off at 1:45. Derghal was stopped only for the second time in his
career. Krasniqi is the new WBO European light heavyweight
titleholder, and he is expected to enter the next WBO rankings.

Tert.am

From: Baghdasarian

ROMAN BEREZOVSKI NE QUITTERA PAS L’EQUIPE D’ARMENIE
Krikor Amirzayan

armenews.com
samedi 22 octobre 2011

selon le selectionneur national Vartan Minassian

Le selectionneur national armenien Vartan Minassian a assure lors
d’une conference de presse a Erevan le 18 octobre que le gardien
de l’equipe d’Armenie, Roman Berezovski va continuer sa carrière au
sein de la selection armenienne. Coupant ainsi court a la rumeur et
aux inquietudes des milliers de supporters qui craignaient de voir le
porter armenien mettre fin a sa carrière après son expulsion injuste
du match Irlande-Armenie et l’elimination de l’Armenie de la finale
de l’Euro 2012. Selon Vartan Minassian, Roman Berezovski lui aurait
confie son desire de poursuivre sa carrière professionnelle. Neanmoins
il serait a la recherche d’un club autre que Khimkhi et evoluant en
première division du championnat de Russie. ” Au sein de l’equipe
d’Armenie, Roman Berezovski n’a pas son remplacant ” dit le
selectionneur armenien.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIAN CATHOLICOS DISCUSSED KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT WITH OSCE MEDIATORS

news.am
Oct 21 2011
Armenia

ECHMIADZIN. – Armenian Catholicos Karekin II received on Friday
OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Bernard Fassier (France), Robert Bradtke
(U.S.), Igor Popov (Russia) and Personal Representative of the OSCE
Chairperson-in-Office Anjey Kasprchik in Holy See of Echmiadzin.

Karekin II thanked OSCE MG co-chairs for their efforts in Karabakh
conflict peaceful settlement, Holy See press service informs Armenian
News-NEWS.am.

Afterwards he represented integration of the Armenian Church
into peace and solidarity establishment in the region. Catholicos
also informed about meetings with spiritual leaders of Georgia and
Azerbaijan mediated by the Russian spiritual leader. They regularly
call nations of the region for peace and solidarity.

Another meeting is expected to take part at the end of November at
the session of Interreligious Council of CIS states. We believe that
peace, solidarity and collaboration have no alternatives, the Armenian
Catholicos added.

Karekin II and his guests touched also upon the process of peaceful
settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

From: Baghdasarian

DEPUTY DEFENSE MINISTERS MEETS WITH REPS OF ARMY IN REALITY

Tert.am
21.10.11

Davit Tonoyan, First Deputy of Armenia’s Defense Minister, has met
with the representatives of the Army in Reality initiative.

The meeting lasts for three hours now.

The representatives of the initiative are expected to have a briefing
with reporters after the meeting.

It comes after the group organized a demonstration outside the
government building on Thursday, protesting against non-combat killings
in the army.

The demonstration ended with the detention of opposition activist
Vardges Gaspari.

Non-combat killings and deaths in the army have recently kicked up
public outrage. In October alone at least three conscripts have died
in non-combat circumstance.

From: Baghdasarian

COULD A FOREST BE WORTH MORE THAN A GOLD MINE?
David Braun

National Geographic
October 19, 2011

Jason Sohigian of the Armenia Tree Project discussed “redefining our
economic systems” at the 2011 TEDx Yerevan conference held at the
new Tumo Center for Creative By Kara Marston

Yerevan, Armenia-As Armenia was celebrating twenty years of
independence in September, local and international experts came
together to discuss youth, maturity, and transitions at the TEDx
Yerevan event on September 24, 2011.

The twenty speakers came from diverse backgrounds, including a former
U.S. ambassador, a correspondent for Bloomberg and ABC News, renowned
artists, photographers, and intellectuals.

Among them was Jason Sohigian, Deputy Director of the Armenia Tree
Project (ATP). National Geographic NewsWatch profiled ATP in 2010.

Sohigian’s presentation raised the question “could a forest be worth
more than a gold mine,” which was intended to stir some controversy
because the country’s economy is heavily dependent on extractive
industries like copper and gold mining.

According to recent valuation estimates, the answer may be yes.

Sohigian focused on forests and didn’t go into specifics for mining,
presumably because of the emphasis on short ten minute talks for
the TEDx format, but his point came through and got a few of the
invitation-only guests asking for more information.

[TEDx-Yerevan-stage-photo.jpg]

Forest cover in Armenia has declined from 25 percent at the turn of the
20th century to less than 8 percent today based on satellite data, and
the country’s Red Book of Endangered Plants and Animals is two volumes
and more than 950 pages long, noted Sohigian. In addition, the South
Caucasus region is one of the world’s most endangered “hotspots for
biodiversity,” which makes the region worthy of such global attention.

This issue is of particular importance because of the vast range of
values a forest can provide to this small landlocked country. Here,
forests provide building material, food products, firewood, scenic
beauty, protection of topsoil, and habitat for plants and other
wildlife including the endangered Caucasian Leopard.

Furthermore, Armenia relies on hydropower for more than a third of
its energy, and Sohigian pointed out that a nation’s strategic water
resources can be protected by improved forest management strategies.

While forests are still often undervalued and overexploited, Sohigian
emphasized, the concept of sustainability has evolved and gained
momentum in the business community. Harvard Business Review summarized
these developments on three fronts: “First, ‘prices’ are now being
calculated for many things that had been considered priceless; second,
capital is flowing into companies known to manage those costs well; and
third, indices are being established that allow disparate contributors
in a supply chain to converge on sustainability standards.”

As prices are now being calculated for things formerly considered
priceless, UNEP’s program on The Economics of Ecosystems and
Biodiversity, or TEEB, recently estimated that temperate forest have
a range of values between U.S.$30 and $5,000 per hectare per year.

This estimate would make Armenia’s forests worth between $7 million
and more than $1 billion per year.

If the value of Armenia’s forests could be worth more than $1 billion
a year, is this worth protecting? Sohigian ended his presentation
with a call to “redefine our economic systems” to do three things:
understand the true value of “natural capital” and forests;
understand our relationship with nature, at both the individual
and at the economic level; and finally, save money by investing in
natural like forests, especially in places like Armenia where it can
be critically endangered.

He quoted from the environmental advocate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.:It’s
really a matter of thinking in the long-term about our national wealth,
rather than of treating the earth and its resources as if it’s “a
business in liquidation.”

From: Baghdasarian

ARMAVIA TO EXPAND GEOGRAPHY OF FLIGHTS

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 21, 2011 – 15:09 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armavia air company jointly with Transaero airlines,
will coordinate of point-to-point flights though Russia’s Domodedovo
international airport, thus expanding their geography.

>From now on, Armavia customers will have a chance to visit a range of
cities including South Sakhalinsk, Anadir, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk,
Magadan, Yakutsk, Omsk, Astana, Almaty, Tashkent, Riga as well as
London, New York, Beijing, Miami and many others.

From: Baghdasarian