Author: Chakrian Hovsep

DEFLATION RATE IN ARMENIA – 0,7%

Panorama.am
12:37 24/03/2009

In January and February deflation rate in Armenia formed 0,7% and
price reduce – 1,8%. During the same period the deflation rate in
Azerbaijan formed 1,4%, in Moldova – 1,1%, in Estonia – 0,9%.

Regarding the inflation rate Russia (1,7%) is in the first horizontal,
Ukraine follows Russia – 1,5%, Belarus – 1,2%. Inflation rate in
Lithuania formed 1,1%, in Kazakhstan – 0,8%, Kyrgyzstan, Litva and
Tajikistan – 0,3% and in Russia 4,1%.

MARXIST LEADER VOWS TO BE THE BEST

A1+
05:11 pm | March 23, 2009

Politics

The Leader of Armenia’s Marxist Party, Davit Hakobyan, today told an
"extraordinary" press conference. He expressed his anger over the
mayoral ticket of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) where he takes
the 22nd place. He is displeased that he learnt about the HAK decision
and electoral list only yesterday.

Davit Hakobyan says he was to be informed about the HAK ticket and
its sequence a week before as it would enable the Marxist Party to
run for the Council of Elders on its own.

He says that the 20 candidates preceding him on the HAK ticket are
minor figures who have had no considerable participation in political
processes.

Remind that the HAK’s list is topped by Levon Ter-Petrosyan and
Stepan Demirtchyan.

Davit Hakobyan says he is most displeased with the deterioration
of political norms. "The ticket should be formulated by brains,
ideology and not by protectionism and graft. In other words, who is
the best person to appear at the front lines? And this derives from
our national interests," says the Marxist Leader and adds: "Levon
Ter-Petrosyan is an organizational leader. The list was formulated
through bribery and I accuse Ter-Petrosyan of treachery."

Nevertheless, Davit Hakobyan still isn’t ready to leave the HAK
ranks. He simply wants to call the attention of the Central Electoral
Commission, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Constitutional Court
and the president to the HAK ticket regarding the "corrupt principles"
on which it was formulated. He is also going to appeal the HAK decision
in relevant bodies.

Turkey to ‘Realize’ Nabucco Project Despite Tanking EU Support
Published: Wednesday March 18, 2009
Source: Asbarez.com

BRUSSELS (Combined Sources)–Turkey will `realize’ the Nabucco
Pipeline project despite a recent confirmation by EU officials that
the project, considered a flagship Union venture, had disappeared from
the list of energy projects the EU’s economic stimulus plan will
finance.

Nabucco– a 3,300km pipeline designed to carry Caspian gas to Europe
via Turkey and the Balkans in order to limit EU’s dependence on
Russian gas — fell off the list of energy and broadband projects that
an EU stimulus plan would finance, Brussels-based EurActiv reported on
Tuesday (March 17th).

EU foreign ministers discussed the 5 billion euro plan during a
meeting Monday, but failed to reach an agreement over the list of
energy and broadband projects. The EU leaders are expected to decide
on the list in Brussels on Thursday.

Turkey, which has sought to use Nabucco to leverage its value as a
transit hub for energy to Europe, said Tuesday it would `realize’ the
Nabucco project itself. `Small obstacles in big projects never prevent
their realization,’ Turkey’s Energy Minister Hilmi Guler was quoted by
RIA Novosti as saying.

"We set the aim of completing Nabucco. If necessary, this should be
done regardless of where the energy sources are located,’ he added.

Czech Deputy Prime Minister for EU Affairs Alexander Vondra, whose
country currently hold the rotating EU presidency, expressed hope
Monday that EU members could reach an agreement. If so, the European
Parliament can approve the stimulus plan before the end of its
mandate. If not, everybody’s credibility will come into question, said
Vondra.

The European Commission (EC) initially proposed providing 250 million
euros to share the risk and help secure bank loans for Nabucco. That
amount later shrank to 200 million euros.

In the latest version of the project list, a broader term, "Southern
corridor," appears instead of Nabucco. It includes different projects
in southern Europe, including a new Interconnector Turkey-Greece-Italy
(ITGI) pipeline between the Greek Ionian coast and Italy.

Romanian Foreign Minister Cristian Diaconescu has warned that his
country will not vote for the stimulus package if it excludes
Nabucco. Romania’s position has support from Austria, Poland and
Slovakia, he said.

Similarly, Polish Minister for European Affairs Mikolaj Dowgielewicz
said that Prime Minister Donald Tusk would try to convince EU leaders
to back Nabucco to reduce the bloc’s dependence on Russian gas
supplies.

The agreement on the Nabucco pipeline was signed in 2002. Planners
expect completion of its first phase in 2014. Once fully operational,
Nabucco will ship up to 31 billion cubic meters of gas per year to
Europe via Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.

Observers expect Azerbaijan to become the project’s first gas
supplier. Middle East countries may possibly join as suppliers later.

Germany, whose RWE has joined five other energy companies in the
Nabucco consortium–OMV of Austria, MOL of Hungary, Bulgargaz of
Bulgaria, Transgaz of Romania and Botas of Turkey–is one of the
strongest opponents of providing European money for the project.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel recently said that the biggest problem
Nabucco faced was not financing but finding gas to feed the pipeline.

SOUTH CAUCASUS RAILWAYS SLAMS ARMENIAN TRANSPORT MINISTER

PanARMENIAN.Net
19.03.2009 14:14 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ South Caucasus Railways Director General Shevket
Shaydullin criticized Armenian Transport Minister Gurgen Sargsyan for
his statements, which "undermine the company’s international image."

"Armenian Transport Minister Gurgen Sargsyan’s statement that the
company management has failed to fulfill some provisions of the
concession agreement and made 28% of presumed investments is untrue,"
Shaydullin said in an open letter.

"The SCR investments totaled 2.5 billion rubles of cash flow in
2008. The fixed capital stock amounted to 612 million rubles, what
comprises 61% of the concessionaire’s obligation."

Mr. Shaydullin said that a commission for monitoring of fulfillment of
concession agreement was formed early this year. "Three meetings have
been already held to work out measures to settle existing problems,"
he said.

LILIT MKRTCHIAN WITH 7.5 POINTS SHARES 2ND-8TH POSITIONS AFTER 10TH ROUND OF EUROPEAN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

Noyan Tapan
March 19, 2009

SAINT PETERSBURG, MARCH 19, NOYAN TAPAN. After the 10th round of
European Women Chess Championship in Saint Petersburg, Lilit Mkrtchian
with 7.5 points shares 2nd-8th positions. Yekaterina Kovalevskaya of
Russia earned 8 points and is in 1st position.

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE

March 17, 2009
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434

NEW ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS

Armenian Assembly releases new video urging Congressional action

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomes
the introduction of H. Res. 252, a congressional resolution to reaffirm
the historic record of the United States on the Armenian Genocide. The
legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by longtime
Armenian issues supporters Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich
(R-CA) and Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairmen Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).

The resolution has already garnered strong bipartisan support, with 77
Members of Congress signed on as original co-sponsors. It is modeled
after H. Res. 106, which overwhelmingly passed the House Committee on
Foreign Affairs during the 110th Congress.

"The Assembly commends Congressmen Schiff, Radanovich, Pallone and Kirk
for their leadership and commitment to reaffirm the historical fact of
the Armenian Genocide," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.
"This legislation is an opportunity for the United States to assume a
leadership role in genocide affirmation and genocide prevention."

Last month, the Assembly launched a new website dedicated to U.S.
affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. In tandem with the introduction of
the Armenian Genocide Resolution, today the Assembly released a new
video entitled "Break the Chain of Denial," which encourages activists
and all people of goodwill to take action to ensure that their
Representative also cosponsors this important human rights measure.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c) (3)
tax-exempt membership organization.

###
NR#2009-017

LEVON ZURABYAN: "THE REGIME IS DOOMED"

A1+
07:26 pm | March 16, 2009

Politics

On March 16, the coordinator of the Armenian National Congress (HAK),
Levon Zurabyan, and the Spokesman for Armenia’s first President Levon
Ter-Petrosyan, Arman Musinyan, told a press conference detailing the
HAK decision to nominate Levon Ter-Petrosyan for Yerevan Mayor.

Levon Zurabyan noted that the opposition’s decision is a message
to the whole Armenian nation. The message states that the upcoming
election will not be an ordinary one. "Rather, it will be a struggle
for lawfulness. We have come to combat against this tyrannical,
criminal and oligarch system. We have come to establish democracy in
the country."

The 18 member-parties of the Armenian National Congress took a
unanimous decision on Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s nomination as a HAK
candidate. Levon Zurabyan says that after winning the election the
HAK will be able to continue the struggle for the establishment of
constitutional order and legality in the country from a more favorable
position. Therefore, the HAK calls on Yerevan civilians to participate
in the poll as "the clue to victory is in their hands." "It will not
be a struggle against Beglaryan. Our main rival is the regime and we
shall struggle against it," says the HAK coordinator.

Note that Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads the HAK ticket followed by the
Leader of the People’s Party of Armenia Stepan Demirtchyan.

Levon Zurabyan is convinced that the HAK will enjoy a glorious victory
as the "acting system is doomed." We have no doubts in this view. We
are certain that on May 31 people will unanimously vote for the HAK."

Levon Zurabyan says that the election may be viewed as the second
phase of the presidential election.

Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s spokesman Armen Musinyan noted the government
has also issued a message – "all the layers of the government will
be criminalised." "I am sure that the society will vote for the
oppositional message," added Musinyan.

SELIM MOUNTAIN PASS LOCKED

Panorama.am
11:33 16/03/2009

In the aftermath of heavy snowing in Armenia Selim Mountain pass is
locked, Susanna Tonoyan, the press secretary of Ministry of Transport
and Communication told Panorama.am. According to her in the morning
Selim Mountain pass, which is 2410m long, has been locked.

Currently there is heavy snowing almost in every region of Armenia
– Ashotsq, Tashit, Alaverdi, Noyemberyan, etc; and Artik, Maralik,
Talin, Aragatsotn and Sevan are in heavy mist.

U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA SAYS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACUTE PROBLEM ACROSS THE WORLD

ArmInfo
2009-03-16 10:43:00

ArmInfo. Domestic violence is an acute problem across the world,
said U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Marie L. Yopvanovitch at the United
States Department of Justice held a conference on "Support for Victims
and Successful Prosecution of Domestic Violence" in Yerevan, Armenia,
on March 16, 2009.

U.S. Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch opened the conference. In her
remarks, the Ambassador noted that although the statistics on domestic
violence in the U.S. are sobering, much progress has been made in
the past twenty years.

The Ambassador urged the Armenian authorities in attendance to do all
that can be done to reduce domestic violence and care for its victims.

The Ambassador called domestic violence a serious problem that should
not be ignored. She denied the opinion that complaining for violence
a woman breaks up her family. In reality, she said, it is violence
that breaks up families affecting first of all children.

The domestic violence conference is just one of several sessions
held by the U.S. Department of Justice in Yerevan to support Armenian
law enforcement.

In 2008, the USDOJ held conferences for Armenian judges, prosecutors,
police and defense attorneys on the European Convention on Human
Rights, corruption prosecution, financial crime investigations, the
rules of evidence in adversarial proceedings, and the development of
Armenian jurisprudence and case law.

Three American prosecutors and one social worker participated –
Prosecutor Steven Kessler (U.S. Embassy, Yerevan), Prosecutor
Arlene Markarian (Brooklyn, New York), Prosecutor Wanda Lucibello
(Brooklyn, New York), and Social Worker Cristin Mathiez (Brooklyn,
New York). Joining the Americans at the conference were Armenian
judges, prosecutors, police, and representatives from the Ministry
of Justice, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social and
Labor Issues, the Civil Rights Division of the National Assembly,
and international organizations such as UNICEF, OSCE and Open Society
Institute Foundation in Armenia.

The American and Armenian officials discussed their countries’
respective approaches to fighting all manifestations of domestic
violence, as well as support for the victim, investigation of a
domestic violence case, and prosecution of such a case where the
victim refuses to cooperate.

Manouchehr Mottaki: Iran stands ready to contribute to the Karabakh
settlement
13.03.2009 15:36

Anna Nazaryan
`Radiolur’

The relations between Armenia and Iran are based on mutual respect and
interests, the Foreign Minister of Iran, Manouchehr Mottaki said during
a joint press conference with the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward
Nalbandian in Yerevan.

`The Presidents of our countries are the new `architects’ of
Armenian-Iranian relations. They greatly contributed to ensuring the
high level of relations in different spheres. We see the bright future
of our relations and cooperation,’ Iran’s Foreign Minister noted,
emphasizing the high level of economic, transport and energy ties.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian noted that the friendly and
mutually beneficial relations are important for the reinforcement of
regional security and stability.

Manouchehr Mottaki is going to convey an invitation of the Iranian
President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the President of Armenia, Serzh
Sargsyan. `Our relations will further reinforce during that visit, new
grounds will be created for the implementation of economic and other
programs. We express our appreciation for the current Armenian-Iranian
relations, but we do not consider them to be sufficient,’ the Foreign
Minister of Iran stated.

Turning to the settlement of the Karabakh issue, Manouchehr Mottaki
noted that all conflicts should be resolved exceptionally via dialogue.
`We stand ready to help and contribute to the resolution of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict. I hope that warm bilateral relations will help
establish stability and peace in the region,’ he noted.