Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

BAKU REFUSES TO REALIZE SAAKASHVILI REGIME DONE FOR – PUBLIC FIGURE

January 30, 2013 – 10:29 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The president of Russia’s Javakhk Diaspora issued
a statement expressing hope for the parliamentary victory of Bidzina
Ivanishvili’s party to help Georgian people overcome ethnic conflicts
triggered by Saakashvili regime.

“Baku’s inadequate reaction to Georgian Prime Minister Ivanishvil’s
visit to Yerevan can be ascribed to a publicly known commercial
“friendship” between Georgian and Azeri presidents,” Aghasi Arabyan
said in his statement.

“Factually, fuel smuggling helped Azerbaijan support a tyrant who
unleashed a war and continues torturing his people in prisons. Baku
refuses to realize that Saakashvili’s regime has come to an end, as
have the plans to populate the passage between Turkey and Azerbaijan
by Turkic peoples instead of indigenous ones,” Arabyan stressed.

From: Baghdasarian

WASHINGTON PREFERRED FARCE
Igor Muradyan

Story from Lragir.am News:

14:22 30/01/2013

The mass media informed that when asked to comment on the Turkish
prime minister’s statement on his country’s possible membership to
Shanghai Cooperation Organization the spokeswoman for the U.S. State
Department Victoria Nuland stated, “I didn’t see that comment by Prime
Minister Erdogan. Obviously, it would be interesting, given the fact
that Turkey’s also a NATO member. We’ll have to see how that goes.”

This was the reaction to Erdogan’s suggestion during his meeting with
the Russian president Putin. “Turkey does not intend to interrupt
negotiations on its membership to the EU but they are not producing
any results. I have told Putin that if Turkey is accepted to Shanghai
Cooperation Organization, we will say goodbye to the EU,” Erdogan
had stated

It should be noted that over the past ten years possible rapprochement
of Turkey with Russia, China and Iran has featured discussions among
analysts in Washington on the perspectives of relations between Turkey
and the European-Atlantic community. American experts assume that
too much distance between Turkey and the United States and Europe
may foster Turkey’s rapprochement with Asian powers.

It is understood to be the traditional Turkish blackmail policy which
has always been effective. Ankara continues to promote this scenario
in foreign policy. However, Ankara does not notice that this is a
rather outdated scheme and concept, and the Western politicians and
experts already have other views on future relations with Turkey.

There is a geopolitical concept suggesting the following – push
Turkey into a conflict with its neighbors in the Middle East and
Eurasia and the Balkans, thereby block it; push Turkey into a new
stage of expansion in Central Asia and thereby distract it from its
intentions in the Near East; convey to Turkey the meaningless and even
harmful nature of efforts for rapprochement with the great powers of
Asia. In addition, Turkey must be kept in a state of embarrassment
and uncertainty for a long time (or forever).

The SCO is an unwanted alliance for the United States but the United
States has never focused on it in global geopolitics. This calm
position of the Americans is based on the understanding that the
relations between China and Russia have always been “sinusoidal”
and will not lead to the establishment of a serious alliance.

Nevertheless, earlier the United States had tried to push Pakistan
to join the SCO as a “friend among foes”. This effort failed because
neither China nor Russia are interested in the penetration of an
agent of Atlantism among those known.

There is a similar attitude to Iran but due to other reasons.

Considering its political preferences and ambitions, Turkey is
increasingly aligning with Pakistan but unlike Pakistan which cannot
rid of its isolated status, Turkey is zealously trying to rid of
the status of a regional power and acquire a more favorable role and
importance in the world.

The statement by Victoria Nuland (one of the most intelligent ladies
of the U.S. Department of State) has the meaning and stylistics of a
farce. The U.S. Department of State understands that neither China,
nor Russia is delighted about Erdogan’s declarative statement. Not
only the SCO does not need Turkey but also Turkey is an unwanted
partner. It is possible that in their “second” thoughts the Americans
assume that Turkey could have a bigger influence on the processes
in this region. Most probably, however, it is meant that Turkey’s
intentions will end up as they ended up in the Near East, leading to
its isolation.

The U.S. position is understood but the style is surprising – it
is expressed in the form of a farce. It is interesting to know what
style Russia will choose in regard to Turkey’s goals.

From: Baghdasarian

IRANIAN AMBASSADOR COMMENTS ON HIS BAKU COUNTERPART PRO-AZERBAIJANI STATEMENT

12:50, 30 January, 2013

YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS: The official stance of Islamic
Republic of Iran regarding Nagorno Karabakh is pursued by the
President and Foreign Affair Minister, any point of view beyond this is
considered nothing but personal opinion. On the request of Armenpress,
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Islamic Republic
of Iran (IRI) to the Republic of Armenia (RA) Mohammad Reisi commented
on regular contradicting statements announced by IRI Ambassador to the
Republic of Azerbaijan. “Official position of the Islamic Republic
of Iran on Karabakh conflict has not undergone changes, reportedly
official Tehran is for negotiated settlement of the issue and in
compliance with the international principles and norms” Ambassador
Reisi noted.

Besides Islamic Republic of Iran as the only country that has a
common border with conflict zone expresses its concern pertain to the
creation of tension and any breakthrough of clash. Azerbaijani media
speculated a statement of Ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan Mohsen
Pak Ayin as if Nagorno-Karabakh conflict regulation is possible only
within the framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. This is
not the first time Azerbaijani mass media labels the diplomat with
similiar statements and represents it as official stance of Islamic
Republic of Iran.

From: Baghdasarian

PRESIDENT CALLS FOR EFFORTS TO REVIVE EMPTYING VILLAGE

TERT.AM
12:58 ~U 31.01.13

As part of his campaign tour to Armenia’s regions, President Serzh
Sargsyan met Thursday the voters of Yeghvard (Kotayk region) to
address the community’s problems and offer solutions.

The president focused particularly on the migration problem, saying
that he experiences a deep sorrow and bitterness every time when
seeing an empty house in villages.

“The rusty and closed locks in villages leave the most painful
impression on me. An emptying village is the only thing that can drive
me out of patience,” he said. “We must never forget our friends who
sacrificed their lives for the villages. But that is our problem and
our grief, so we must find a solution.”

The president noted that no single problem in Armenia’s communities
has so far escaped his attention.

“One doesn’t have to cross thousands of miles to make the first step.

I have served my nation, honestly doing my job. And meeting
representatives of different communities today, I ask for reaffirming
your vote which you cast in my favor to enable me to continue
the activities that have remained unfinished or not succeeded,”
Sargsyan said.

The president promised to facilitate the lives in village communities
in an effort to return the young generation home.

He further spoke of agricultural reform plans. “We’ll continue what
we have done in the past two years, providing affordable loans at
costs below the market prices to help solve the problem of fuels,
seeds, as well as agricultural equipment,” he said, adding that the
government is now thinking of programs requiring cooperative efforts.

Sargsyan emphasized that a good conduct of elections is extremely
important for him. “The quality of elections is highly important for
Armenia. I say after every election that we prefer a free voting,
albeit with a lower percentage. A president elected in good, free and
fair elections feels freer to speak in front of the world community,”
he added.

From: Baghdasarian

ZANGEZUR COPPER MOLYBDENUM COMBINE IS ARMENIA’S LARGEST TAXPAYER

10:51, 31 January, 2013

YEREVAN, JANAURY 31, ARMENPRESS. The State Revenue Committee of the
Government of the Republic of Armenia issued the list of the 1000
largest taxpayers of the Republic of Armenia for 2012. As reports
“Armenpress” Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine tops the list with AMD
31.7 billion. For already more than 60 years this company is a leading
company in copper and molybdenum mining and processing. Extensive
experience gained over these years, sustainable development strategy,
numerous social and environmental projects, as well as successful
application of best international practices in this field have ensured
uninterrupted and effective operations and development of the Company.

ArmRusGazard is the second largest taxpayer of Armenia (AMD 30.9
billion). “K-Telecom” CJSC occupies the third position (AMD 21.7
billion). The fourth is “Alex-Grig” company with AMD 17.4 billion.

Then comes “Armentel” company (AMD 11.4 billion).

From: Baghdasarian

TSAKHKADZOR TO HOST INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM ABC FOR INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE

10:30, 31 January, 2013

YEREVAN, JANUARY 31, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Youth Foundation jointly
with “Armenian Center for Youth and Students International Relations
and Exchange” NGO are scheduled to host international program ABC
for Intercultural dialogue headed by act, belong and hope title due
to launch February 1-8. The program is implemented by the support of
the European Union.

29 young men and women from European Union and the EU’s Neighborhood
eight countries are set to participate in the program, Armenian Youth
Foundation told Armenpress. The program seeks to introduce the young
with different cultures and their system of values. The scheduled
discussions are set to break the ice of other cultures and nations over
the stereotypes. The participants will further be enabled a chance to
assess the richness of diversity and peaceful cooperation advantages
amid the various nations. Program participants in multinational teams
will envisage various problems and propose relevant solutions, thus
feeling the importance of Intercultural Communication and its role
in real life.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIAN ARMY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED IN ATHENS

09:50, 31 January, 2013

YEREVAN, JANAURY 31, ARMENPRESS. On January 28 a solemn reception
has been organized dedicated to the 21st anniversary of formation
of the Armenian Armed Forces in the hall of the “Officer’s House”
of the Greek Armed Forces. Over 300 attendants have been invited to
take part in the event. As reports “Armenpress”, “Armenia” News Agency
of Athens states that students of “Evelpidon” military school of the
Greek Land Forces welcomed the official guests. Military attache of
the Republic of Armenia to Greece, Colonel Samvel Ramazyan introduced
a report regarding the formation of the Armenian Armed Forces,
historical age-old military cooperation between Armenia and Greece
and the present stage of the military cooperation. The event launched
by the national anthems performed by the Armenian and Greek students
of military schools.

A number of ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Argentine,
Serbia, Croatia, Iraq, Moldova, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation,
USA, China, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, Poland,
Bulgaria, Iran and many other countries attended the event.

From: Baghdasarian

“ZVARTNOTS” DECLARED BEST CIS AIRPORT

11:44, 31 January, 2013

YEREVAN, JANAURY 31, ARMENPRESS. “Zvartnots” has been declared the
best airport in CIS during the 2nd annual Emerging Airports Conference
and Exhibition 2013. Polling results for more than 20 nominations
have been declared on January 30. There have been various nominations.

Among them were “World’s Best Airport”, “Best Airport in the Middle
East”, “Best Airport of Europe”, and others. In the nomination of
“Best Airport of CIS, Russia, and Baltic States” “Zvartsnots” Airport
of Yerevan has been declared as the best airport of CIS. “Armenia”
International Airports CJSC informed “Armenpress” about this.

Yerevan “Zvartnots” Airport representing the main air gate of the
Republic of Armenia has been operating since 1961. “Zvartnots”
Airport envisioned handling of the flights operated solely on the
territory of the former USSR. On 1985 ICAO Granted the airport the
second class. To make the Airport meet the international standards
its runway was fully repaired, safety, information and check-in new
systems were installed, VIP lounges repaired and the construction of
the new passenger terminal, the arrival hall of which was introduced
to operation on September 14, 2006, started. The departure hall of the
new passenger terminal was introduced into operation on May 25, 2007.

In Spring 2008, the construction of the new passenger terminal of
public zone has initiated, the termination of which is anticipated in
2011. In the new passenger terminal with the territory of 52.000 sqm,
the passenger check-in counters and security control points will be
doubled. A new underground parking will be built, with parking area
for more than 800 cars.

From: Baghdasarian

IN 2013 ARMENIA TO HEAD 7TH SESSION OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE OF UNESCO CONVENTION

ARMINFO
Wednesday, January 30, 17:58

In 2013 Armenia will head 7th session of Intergovernmental Committee
of UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity
of Cultural Expressions, Armenia’s Deputy Culture Minister, Arev
Samuelyan, said during the conference “Intercultural dialogue and
cultural verification.

Problems and solutions” held in Yerevan.

She also added that preparing of the report “Protection and Promotion
of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions” is one of the priority
programmes of the Armenian government for 2013. The report will be
submitted to UNESCO. “Armenia highly appreciates the intercultural
dialogue and has been trying to cooperate with all the ethnic groups.

Although 95% of population of Armenia are Armenians, traditions of
other countries and peoples are preserved in Armenia”, – she said.

For his part, Deputy Sports Minister, Arsen Karamyan, added that in
the context of the state youth policy, they highly appreciate the
intercultural dialogue, as it makes development of young generation
comprehensive. He also said that from 2013 till 2017 the strategy
of the Sports Ministry supposes holding of various events that will
deepen intercultural dialogue.

The head of the International Centre for Intercultural Study and
Dialogue, Areg Tadevosyan, said that the purpose of this conference
is to inform the society about the current cultural situation in the
country and to stimulate the intercultural dialogue.

From: Baghdasarian

NEW MONOPOLY FOR SAMVEL ALEXANYAN?

Story from Lragir.am News:

15:30 30/01/2013

Tax amendments hastily adopted at the end of the past year have boosted
taxes on SMEs. Dentists, realtors, individual taxi drivers protest.

These amendments seem to mark another process of consolidation of
certain branches of the Armenian economy. This trend is already
awaiting dental services. More exactly, Member of Parliament Samvel
Alexanyan the monopolist is already expressing interest in this sphere.

In fact, taxes boosted by recent tax amendments are a factor that
facilitates consolidation because lowers competitiveness of SMEs.

Consolidation may help Samvel Alexanyan grab the markey of these
services. Then the law will be amended again, and the taxes will
be revoked.

Interestingly, the famous French retailer Carrefour was said to open
in Armenia despite delay due to certain hindrances. Carrefour was said
possible to cut the profits of oligarchs, the richest of them being
Samvel Alexanyan. The retailer will bring competition into currently
monopole imports and retail.

The press service of Carrefour has announced their opening in Armenia
this year. It means the resistance of the oligarchs, namely Samvel
Alexanyan, has been overcome. It is possible that he has yielded one
monopoly in return for another monopoly.

From: Baghdasarian