Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

Armenia opens first free economic zone

July 27, 2013 | 17:36

YEREVAN. – Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and Russian
Federation Transportation Minister Maxim Sokolov were on hand Saturday
at the official opening of the first free economic zone (FEZ) in
Armenia.

The Armenian Government press service informed the aforesaid to
Armenian News-NEWS.am.

After cutting the symbolic ribbon of the FEZ entrance, Sargsyan and
Sokolov toured the area and got familiar with the infrastructures and
services it offers.

The establishment of FEZ in Armenia seeks to promote direct foreign
investments, increase exports, create new jobs, and generate
prerequisites for sustainable economic development in Armenia.

The free economic zone has a 55,799 square meters of economic
production area and 37,908 square meters of office space.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: Baghdasarian

Writers’ Unions of Armenia and Artsakh cooperate in cultural sphere

17:17, 27 July, 2013

YEREVAN, JULY 27, ARMENPRESS: the cooperation between writers’ unions
of Armenia and Artsakh has a history of many years. It is productive
not only for Artsakh but also for Armenian writers. Such opinion
expressed President of Writers’ Union of Artsakh Vardan Hakobyan
during the 16 th special session of Writers’ Union of Armenia. He
mentioned with pleasure that Armenian writers due to President of
Writers’ Union Levon Ananyan, have wide opportunities. The prospects
of those opportunities increase in parallel of being citizen of the
Republic of Armenia as mother country also gives that opportunity.
`Writers from Artsakh do not have it, they can not introduce
themselves to the world, participate in literary festivals and
competitions as Nagorno-Karabakh is yet unrecognized country,’ he
mentioned. In the 16 th special session of Writers’ Union of Armenia
was voted the issue of making the union public organization. The offer
was adopted with vast majority of the votes.

Writers’ Union of Armenia was founded in parallel with USSR writers’ Union.
Its first session took place in 1934. Levon Ananyan holds his office since
2001.

From: Baghdasarian

Azerbaijani police rob Karabakh war heroes

13:52 – 27.07.13

The president of an Azerbaijan-based committee for the protection of
the disabled heroes of the Nagorno-Karabakh war has accused the
country’s Interior Ministry of embezzling money.

According to Zerkalo.az, Maghrur Badasluy held a news conference on
Friday to announce that two officials of the agency’s Organized Crime
Department broke into a booth owned by the organization and arrested a
seller to steal money from the cash. They immediately ran away after
grabbing 15,000 Azerbaijani Mantas (approx. $19,000).

Badasluy called for proper measures by the Interior Ministry, the
Prosecutor’s Office and the human rights defender but his efforts
reportedly proved vain.

Members of the Committee are planning a protest outside the
ombudsman’s office on August 5 to demand the return of the lost
property, as well as strong measure to combat organized crime and
permissiveness.

The Interior Ministry has not yet issued its comments.

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: Baghdasarian

TOLLE GENERAL FACE A LA HAUSSE DES TARIFS DES TRANSPORTS A EREVAN

ARMENIE

Des dizaines de jeunes militants ont fait le tour d’Erevan samedi
appelant les citoyens a ne pas payer plus cher lorsqu’ils prennent
les transports publics.

Plusieurs militants ont ete brièvement interpelles par la police
pour avoir placer des depliants sur les arrets de bus, mais ont
ete relâches par la suite. Ils ont dit qu’ils consideraient comme
illegales les actions de la police car ils n’ont pas viole de lois.

Certains passagers ont continue a payer 100 drams (environ 25 cents)
pour les trajets en minibus malgre l’introduction du nouveau taux
tarifaire de 150 drams. La plupart d’entre eux se sont plaints au
sujet de leur situation sociale, mais certains, comme les jeunes
militants, l’ont fait en signe de protestation, en esperant que le
bureau du maire finira par revenir sur sa decision.

Pendant ce temps, un autre groupe d’opposition a rejoint le tolle
general contre la decision, estimant que c’etait le resultat de
l’absence de la libre concurrence sur le marche.

“Nous considerons qu’il est necessaire de trouver une solution a ce
problème urgent en creant les conditions d’une concurrence reelle”,
a declare le Parti democrate libre.

Plus tôt, le Congrès national armenien a qualifie la hausse des tarifs
des transports publics d’inconstitutionnelle, tandis que la faction
Barev Erevan au sein du Conseil des aînes d’Erevan a mis en doute les
motifs de la hausse, demandant une reunion speciale de l’institution
municipale sur la question .

vendredi 26 juillet 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

EU AND ARMENIA AGREE TRADE DEAL

RTT News (United States)
July 24, 2013 Wednesday

(RTTNews) – The European Union and Armenia on Wednesday successfully
concluded negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area
(DCFTA), as part of the bilateral Association Agreement.

At the seventh and final round of negotiations held in Yerevan,
negotiators reached agreement on the key elements of a deal which will
create a new framework for trade relations between the EU and Armenia.

The DCFTA will strengthen Armenia’s economic integration with the EU
by providing better market access for European and Armenian goods and
services to each other’s markets. It will offer Armenia a framework
for modernizing its trade relations and for economic development
on the basis of far reaching harmonization of laws and regulations
in various trade-related sectors. These reforms will create the
conditions for Armenia to bring key sectors of its economy in line
with EU standards. The improved trade opportunities brought about
by the DCFTA are expected to bring economic benefits to both the EU
and Armenia.

An independent study suggests that in the long run the Armenian
economy could gain an extra EUR146 million a year, representing a 2.3%
increase in GDP. Removing non-tariff measures is key to realizing
these benefits. For its part, the EU is expected to gain by some
EUR74 million.

The DCFTA will have significant impacts on Armenia’s trade. The
forecast 15.2% increase in Armenian exports and 8.2% increase in its
imports in the long run will lead improve Armenia’s trade balance in
relative terms.

The Commission will now report to the EU Member States on the
negotiated DCFTA text. After that, the EU and Armenia will carry out
the next steps to formally mark the finalization of the DCFTA as part
of the Association Agreement.

The EU is Armenia’s biggest trading partner, covering some 32% of
its trade. Bilateral trade in goods amounted to EUR951million in 2012.

From: Baghdasarian

CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST EX-ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER OSKANIAN CLOSED

Interfax, Russia
July 24 2013

YEREVAN. July 24

The Armenian National Security Service has closed a criminal case
against former Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian.

“The criminal case that was opened earlier on money laundering charges
was re-qualified as large-scale tax evasion. Taking into account
that Oskanian voluntarily paid his tax obligations, a decision has
been made to close his criminal prosecution,” the Armenian National
Security Service told Interfax.

The National Security Service’s investigations department opened a
criminal case against Oskanian on money laundering charges in summer
2012, claiming that the Civilitas Foundation headed by Oskanian
legalized large-scale criminal proceeds.

In particular, the investigation was opened into the sale by Civilitas
of its 100% share worth $2 million to the Armenian-based organization
Huntsman Building Products belonging to the U.S. corporations Polymer
Materials and Huntsman International.

“On July 19, 2013, the former Armenian foreign minister made a
statement and testified that he used $250,795, which was donated by
Huntsman International head John Huntsman exclusively for charity
purposes, for his personal needs, seeing this sum as his share from
the deal,” the National Security Service said.

Oskanian also paid an income tax on this sum calculated by the State
Revenue Committee to the Armenian national budget.

Oskanian earlier denied the charges brought against him, saying that
he was being politically persecuted. He also insisted that the money
donated by Huntsman International was not spent and the corporation
did not have any complaints.

Oskanian served as foreign minister under President Robert Kocharian
from 1998 to 2008. After Serzh Sargsyan’s victory in the 2008
presidential elections, Oskanian resigned and set up the Civilitas
Foundation dealing with human rights, democracy and civil society
matters.

va

From: Baghdasarian

EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE TO DISPLACED POPULATION OF SYRIAN ARMENIANS

Premium Official News
July 23, 2013 Tuesday

Rome

World Food Program has issued the following news release:

The ongoing fighting between Government forces and opposition groups
in the Syrian Arab Republic has forced Syrians of ethnic Armenian
origin to leave their homes in Aleppo and Damascus.

According to the Armenian Government, as of mid-2013 some 8,000 Syrian
Armenians had fled to Armenia from the violence in Syria. The situation
for the majority of Armenian Syrians has deteriorated over time,
as many were not able to find employment upon arrival in Armenia,
and consequently, have depleted their assets.

The Government and all stakeholders are engaged in an effort to provide
both: (i) immediate support through relief and safety nets and (ii)
assistance with the integration of the Syrian Armenian population into
Armenian society. This WFP emergency operation (EMOP) will provide food
assistance to vulnerable Syrian Armenians, further to the request from
the Armenian Ministry of the Diaspora, the Government body tasked with
the implementation and coordination of assistance to Syrian Armenians.

The goal is to meet immediate food needs, while curbing the negative
coping strategies of a population that sustained multiple shocks over
the previous two years.

The objectives of this EMOP are aligned with WFP Strategic Objective 1
“Save lives and protect livelihoods in emergencies”, specifically to:
~U maintain food security; and ~U protect livelihoods and help prevent
the depletion of assets.

This EMOP will cover six months of food assistance, from July to
December 2013 and will provide immediate support to Syrian Armenians
while the Government puts in place a strategy and programme for their
sustainable integration.

Should the situation deteriorate further and the number of vulnerable
Syrian Armenians in Armenia increase, the requirements and transfer
modality will be reassessed and the budget adjusted in line with
developments and needs.

For further information please visit:

From: Baghdasarian

LISBON OPERATION WAS A BLOOD SCATTERED FOR JUSTICE: ESTIMATES BROTHER OF DIED SIMON YAHNIYAN

[ Part 2.2: “Attached Text” ]

21:30, 25 July, 2013

GYUMRI, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS: In order to capture the world’s attention
to Armenian genocide thirty years ago on July 27, 1983 five members
of Armenian Revolutionary Army Vache Taghlyan, Sedrak Ajemyan, Simon
Yahniyan, Ara Krjyan and Sargis Abrahamyan entered Turkish embassy in
Lebanon. From the shot Turkish soldier 21 years old Simon Yahniyan
was killed and the other four managed to enter the territory of
the embassy and implement two blasts. Though many countries began
speaking about genocide after this event but after several years
many people still distort the details of martyrdom of Armenian young
people. “Armenpress” spoke about the operation with the brother Simon
Yahniyan Sareh Yahniyan who lives in Gyumri for already ten years.

– Today you live in Gyumri though you were born in Beirut.

Why you did you decide to move to Armenia?

– in 2003 I came to Armenia for the first time though since 3 years
old Armenia is in my mind and heart. We accept Lebanon as a birthplace
but Armenia is our motherland. In 1983 took place Lisbon operation
headed by my brother. At that time I was 19 years old and Simon 21. It
were the days of civil war in Lebanon. It was an operation without
precedent: in peaceful conditions young people dedicated their life
to their nation. Simon’s martyrdom was the reason that I came and
stayed here and found the woman of my life. I named my son after Simon.

Simon dedicated himself to Armenia in his own way and I decided to
dedicate myself to Armenia in my own way by coming staying here.

Naturally I could not choose Simon’s way. It is not easy.

– After 30 years what kind of estimation will you give to Lisbon
operation?

– Valuing that martyrdom after 30 years I think that something
essential has not changed but as propaganda action is reached its
aim: more than 20 countries recognized Armenian genocide after that
operation. But I call it “Lisbon failed” operation. Unfortunately,
it should waken also Armenians but it was not managed. I simply
fell myself bad that up to now many people or do not know about this
operation or have a wrong opinion. It is connected with ASALA. Many
people call it terroristic act but it is not so. How can we call
an operation a terroristic act when 5 young men killed themselves
not demanding any other victims. Portuguese President Suarez a year
later announced that he knew about fair demand of Armenians only
after the operation.

He did not call it as a terroristic act, but a blood scattered for
fair case

– What kind of remembrance events are planned this year?

– In Lebanon as every year where the guys are buried will be held
remembrance event. Events will be held also in many other countries.

In Armenia it has never been celebrated officially but this year has
been formed a committee which will be involved in it. I think the boys
do not need to be glorified, simply the reality must be spoken about.

From: Baghdasarian

EXPERT: MANY FISH-BREEDING FARMS SELLING FISHES AT PRICES ALMOST EQUAL TO THE PRIME COST

YEREVAN, July 25. /ARKA/. Many fish-breeding companies sell fishes
at prices almost equal to the prime cost, Arthur Atoyan, head of the
Association of Armenian Fish Breeders and Exporters, told journalists
on Thursday.

“Taking into account things in other countries and fodder prices at
the world market, it can be said that fishes in Armenia are too cheap,”
he said.

Remembering that the prime cost of fishes depends on output volumes,
Atoyan stressed that large farmers can afford to sell their products
at low prices, while small and medium fish-breeders face treat of ruin.

The National Statistical Service says the price for fresh starlets
ranged from 2,343 drams to 3,442 drams per one kilogram in June
in Armenia, and fresh trout price ranged between 1,600 drams and
2,431 drams.

According to the official statistical reports, fish-breeding farms’
output totaled 534.2 tons in May 2013 – 27.8% year-on-year growth.

—0—

– See more at:

From: Baghdasarian

FOREIGN MINISTRY: U.S. ROLE IN INFLAMING CRISIS IN SYRIA IS CLEARLY EXPOSED

Jul 25, 2013

Damascus, (SANA)- What media outlets have circulated of statements
made by U.S. officials regarding Washington’s decision to arm the
armed terrorist groups in Syria stress the U.S. role in inflaming
the crisis in it, an official source at the Foreign and Expatriates
Ministry said Thursday.

The source added in a statement to SANA that the U.S. statements and
decision also stress the U.S. administration’s dishonesty in the
efforts aimed to find a political solution to the crisis in Syria
through convening the international conference in Geneva.

“The reality about the U.S. intentions has been exposed to everybody
as they aim for violence and terrorism to continue in Syria to disrupt
security and stability in the region in service of Israel’s aggressive
goals,” the source said.

He pointed out that since the outbreak of the crisis in Syria, the
US has not stopped arming the terrorists and supplying them with all
forms of support to carry out their criminal acts that target the
Syrian people and the infrastructure.

“However, our people’s steadfastness and the prowess of our armed
forces can guarantee foiling the U.S.-Israeli plots and eliminating
their criminal tools in Syria,” the source added.

H. Said

From: Baghdasarian