Author: Chatinian Lara

Town Hall, DC
Nov 22 2008

First-place teams defeated in chess round 9
By ROBERT HUNTINGTON

The mighty were brought low as the first-place teams in both the open
and women’s divisions fell in round nine on Saturday. In the open
division, Israel played the role of David, knocking off Armenia
2.5-1.5. On the women’s side, Serbia edged China 2.5-1.5.

The U.S. women’s medal hopes suffered a severe setback as Poland beat
them 3-1. The U.S. men, already virtually eliminated from contention
by Russia in round eight, crushed India 3.5-1.5.

There were a number of other upsets in the open section.

Ukraine downed top-seed Russia 2.5-1.5; 22nd-seed Serbia beat
fourth-seed Azerbaijan by the same score. Sixteenth-seed Vietnam held
fifth-seed Hungary to a 2-all tie; and Slovenia beat Norway 3-1.

England kept its medal hopes alive by beating Vietnam 3-1 on wins from
Michael Adams and Nigel Short on the top two boards.

Veteran Boris Gelfand led the way for the Israelis on board one
defeating the world’s seventh rated player Levon Aronian with Black,
exploiting his opponent’s weakened king position to win a pawn and
then winning the ensuing rook-and-pawn endgame. Israel’s other win
came from Maxim Rodshtein on board four over Tigan L. Petrosian.

The American men put on a strong performance that was probably too
little, too late. Gata Kamsky beat Krishnan Sasikiran on board one
when Sasikiran apparently missed an interpolation on move 34 and had
to resign just two moves later. On board two, Hikaru Nakamura won a
powerful game out of an unorthodox opening against Penteala
Harikrishna.

The American’s other win came on board four where Varuzhan Akobian won
a tactical melee against Geetha Narayanan Gopal.

Today’s results put Israel in first place with eight points. Armenia
and Ukraine are tied for second with 7.5 points. China, England, and
Serbia each have seven points.

Ten teams, including the United States and Russia, have 6.5 points.

On the women’s side, Poland, Serbia, and Ukraine have leapfrogged
China into a first place tie with 7.5 points. Armenia, China, and
Georgia have seven points each. Hungary, Russia, the United States,
and Uzbekistan have 6.5 points each.

Round 10 of the 11-round event takes place here on Sunday.

In other news, the president of the world chess organization FIDE,
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, who was injured in an automobile accident just
before the event started, has arrived in Dresden for the FIDE Congress
after being released from a Moscow hospital.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Relations with Turkey should be normalized without preconditions,
Yerevan insists
22.11.2008 13:31 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian will
meet with his Turkish counterpart Ali Babacan on November 24, on the
initiative of the Turkish MFA.

`The Ministers will focus on possibilities to normalize the
Armenian-Turkish relations. By saying normalization, we mean
establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of borders without
preconditions,’ RA MFA media relations division head Tigran Balayan
told PanARMENIAN.Net.

Minister Nalbandian will be in Istanbul to attend a meeting of the
BSEC Secretariat.

Turkey broke off diplomatic relations and closed the border with
Armenia in 1993 over the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh.

ARMENIA CAN’T IMPOSE UNACCEPTABLE DECISION ON KARABAKH

PanARMENIAN.Net
21.11.2008 15:51 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Official Yerevan can’t impose an unacceptable
decision on Nagorno Karabakh, chairman of NKR parliamentary committee
on external relations Vahram Atanesyan told a news conference in
Yerevan today.

"It’s my personal capacity," he added.

"Presently, political discussions focus on international recognition
of Nagorno Karabakh. Territorial issues are not on the agenda. At
that, NKR hearings have nothing in common with the discussions held
in Armenia, which create an impression that the RA doesn’t have a
precise position on the problem," Atanesyan said.

"Our position implies international recognition of NKR within the
borders fixed by the Constitution," he said, adding that differences
in positions between Karabakh and Armenia are a phenomenon of talks.

IMF APPROVES NEW POVERTY REDUCTION PROGRAMME FOR ARMENIA
Venla Sipila

World Markets Research Centre
Global Insight
November 19, 2008

Armenia’s fourth poverty reduction programme with the IMF keeps the
focus on strengthening of the macroeconomic policy framework and tax
sector reform.

Building on Past Success

The now approved new loan arrangement follows the completion of
Armenia’s third PRGF-supported reform programme in May (see Armenia:
22 May 2008: ). As in the last review of the completed programme,
the International Monetary Fund (IMF) now reiterated that Armenia’s
progress with its structural reforms and its responsible macroeconomic
policies have allowed for rapid economic growth rates and reduction
in poverty. Inflation initially remained low even in the face of
high GDP growth rates, while it has recently accelerated as rising
international food and fuel price have been combined with growing
demand side pressures. However, IMF notes that, nevertheless, inflation
in Armenia still remains relatively low in peer comparison with other
countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Global Insight Perspective Significance: The Executive Board of the
IMF has approved a new three-year assistance programme under the
Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Armenia.

Implications The arrangement supports the government’s economic reform
programme until 2011 with a loan of 9.2 million Special Drawing
Rights (SDR, some $13US.6 million, with 1.31 million SDR available
for withdrawal immediately.

Outlook Especially given the deteriorating global financial and
economic outlook, and considering that Armenia’s external deficit
remains wide, it remains important that the Armenian authorities
make further progress with structural reforms. The focus of the new
IMF programme remains strengthening the fiscal and monetary policy
frameworks and deepening of structural reforms, the ultimate goal
being to support growth potential by improved productivity and
competitiveness.

Risks and Challenges Persist

Further, the international lender notes that, while the deteriorated
global growth outlook has increased uncertainty also regarding
development and prospects of the Armenian economy, the country
remains in a strong position to weather the global turmoil. Indeed,
the IMF expects that the expected gradual deceleration of Armenian
growth will lead to a moderation of inflation, while it may also help
in containing the widened current-account deficit. Looking forward,
the IMF sees the medium-term outlook as favourable, given attractive
investment opportunities, even if risks remain.

The IMF also reiterated that keeping to responsible macroeconomic
policies remains the key for continued stability, given the sizeable
imbalances in the economy. The international lender urges strengthening
of the macroeconomic policy frameworks. In particular, it states that
the floating exchange rate regime remains the most appropriate approach
for Armenia, while the monetary authorities are urged to complete
their journey to fully-fledged inflation targeting. In addition, the
effectiveness of fiscal policy as a tool for managing demand needs
to be increased by strengthening the capacity for policy analysis,
which allows for improvement of the budgetary process and increases
credibility of fiscal policy.

The Fund also stresses the need to complete the important tax policy
and administration reforms. Reforms in these areas would strengthen
the business environment and improve competitiveness and productivity.

Outlook and Implications

Given Armenia’s so far relatively convincing reform progress, the
approval of the new IMF lending facility was expected. As announced
earlier, the new development programme is worth less than the
previous arrangement which had totalled 23 million SDR (seeArmenia:
18 September 2008: ). This is because Armenia has been able to increase
its income level.

Before the intensification of the current international financial
crisis and marked weakening of global growth prospects, we were
increasingly concerned about the risk of overheating of the Armenian
economy, while acknowledging the good reform progress. With the
gloomier global outlook, the inflow of foreign exchange is likely
to moderate, and the resulting cooling economic momentum will aid
in suppressing inflation. Moreover, cost-side price pressures are
also easing with the falling global commodity prices. We also believe
that, with growth slowing, cooling domestic demand and the resultant
moderation in import growth will lead to easing of the current
account deficit. However, as the IMF notes, medium-term prospects
remain subject to uncertainty.

While noting Armenia’s progress in tax reforms, the IMF has repeatedly
stressed the importance of continued focus in strengthening tax
collection and administration further. With the rapid deterioration in
the global growth outlook and the uncertainty related to investment
inflows, this remains as important as ever. With external financial
and economic conditions weak, the risks related to finding financing
for the wide current account gap have increased. Thus, it remains
crucial to support Armenia’s attractiveness for foreign investment
by improving the operational environment by completing the reforms
in the fiscal sector.

CYPRUS AND ARMENIA ENTER NEW PHASE AFTER GAROYIAN’S VISIT
By Nicos Markides

Cyprus News Agency
November 14, 2008

An agreement to further develop the relations of the Cyprus House of
Representatives and the National Assembly of Armenia, was reached
during the talks Cypriot Speaker Marios Garoyian held during his
two-day visit to Yerevan.

Garoyian and National Assembly of Armenia President Hovik Abrahamyan
held a joint press conference on Thursday at the end of Garoyian’s
official visit where they also announced that frequent visits
by parliamentary delegations of the two countries and government
officials would be held, while Abrahamyan accepted an invitation by
Garoyian to visit Cyprus in the coming year.

They also expressed the desire to work for opening an Armenian embassy
in Nicosia and a Cypriot embassy in Yerevan.

In his opening remarks, Garoyian thanked his Armenian counterpart
for the invitation, to visit the land of his ancestors.

"My visit confirms the excellent relations between the two Parliaments
and at the same time underlines our will to widen and reinforce even
further our traditional and excellent relations", he said.

With President Abrahamyan, he added, "we agreed to implement as much
as possible the Cooperation Memorandum signed by our predecessors
two years ago and during the Sp eaker’s visit next year (to Cyprus),
we will sign a wider Cooperation Memorandum which will include many
other sectors not included in the existing one".

At the same time, he said, Cyprus, as a member of the EU is willing to
substantially contribute to implement programmes within the European
Partnership Programme that will serve the interests and plans of the
Armenian government and state as a whole.

Garoyian referred to the talks he held with the Armenian political
leadership and President Serzh Sargsyan noting the initiatives the
latter has undertaken in regards to his contacts with Turkey and
normalising relations between Turkey and Armenia, as well as the
latest developments concerning Karabagh.

"Armenia is following a policy of principles towards the Cyprus issue
and the Republic of Cyprus is following a policy of principles on
issues which Armenia considers of high interest", said Garoyian.

In his statements, National Assembly of Armenia President Abrahamyan
said he agrees with Garoyian’s remarks. Asked what Armenia wants
from Cyprus, an EU member, concerning Turkey, Abrahamyan said "we
expect justice from the EU, we want cooperation with the EU and our
country has adopted the policy which will bring it closer to European
structures and we are open to hear every proposal from the EU, which
is not against the Armenian causes an d cooperate with Cyprus as
closely as possible".

On Turkey’s relations with the EU, Abrahamyan urged all states and
Cyprus, to be aware of Turkey and its policies.

Garoyian said he had discussed this issue with the Armenian President
as well as Abrahamyan and pledged that Cyprus, "as a member of the
EU, has the ability to play a substantial role to enhance relations
between the EU and Armenia".

"Our effort is for Turkey to comply with the principles and values
of the EU", he said, adding "we supported the start of Turkey’s
negotiations with the EU on the basis of three preconditions: that
it will recognise the Republic of Cyprus, that it will normalise its
relations with the Republic of Cyprus and will implement the Ankara
Protocol, meaning it will open its ports and airports to Cypriot
ships and plans, substantially contributing to finding a viable,
fair and functional solution to the Cyprus issue".

So far, Turkey has not fulfilled any of these promises or
preconditions, he added.

Abrahamyan said Armenia supports the Cyprus positions for a bi-zonal,
bi-communal federation.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and
occupied the island’s northern third.

During his contacts, Garoyian also met Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan,
M inister of Foreign Affairs Edvard Nalbandyan and visited Echmiadzin.

Garoyian and his entourage returned home on Friday.

More images of Garoyian’s visit will be posted on

ARMENIAN BOXERS COMPETE IN FINALS

Panorama.am
15:49 14/11/2008

Three Armenian boxers will compete in finals of Europe Box Tournament
in Liverpool.

Hovhannes Danielyan (48kg) defeated his Hungarian rival Istvan
Ungvar. Currently Danielyan is the owner of a silver medal but he
is going to meet with Jose de la Nieve Linares from Spain for the
best title.

Edward Hambarcumyan (64kg) has also defeated his Polish rival Marcin
Legowski and his next game is scheduled with Gyula Kate from Hungary.

Tsolak Ananikyan (91kg) is in the finals also and he’ll meet with
Egor Mekhontsev from Russia.

LITHUANIA: SOLUTION FOR NAGORNO-KARABAKH MUST BE SOUGHT WITH THE HELP OF OSCE, SAYS PRESIDENT ADAMKUS

ISRIA

Nov 14 2008
DC

President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus met with the
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, while in Baku to participate
in the Energy Security Summit.

The two presidents talked about alternative energy projects that were
first discussed in detail in the Energy Conference in Krakow in May
2007 and later developed and implemented in Vilnius and Kiev meetings.

Lithuania’s President underlined that despite geographic distances
between them the two countries could be linked by joint initiatives
and consequent energy projects.

President Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan hopes for closer cooperation
with the European Union and therefore counts on much more attention
and support from the EU for the Nabucco gas pipeline project that
would bridge the Middle Asian and South Caucasian countries.

"I am glad that the ideas put forward in Krakow and Vilnius energy
conferences are still alive and being further developed," President
Adamkus said.

It was underlined in the meeting that the fact that Baku Energy
Conference was held in the wake of Russian military actions against
Georgia did not interrupt the pre-devised plans to develop alternative
energy projects in the Caspian and Black sea area to supply oil and
gas to Europe.

On the issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh territorial problem, President
Adamkus stressed that Lithuania supports any efforts to solve this
problem in a peaceful way at the table of negotiations. "Lithuania
has been and will be supporting a solution that will reflect wishes
and the will of the countries involved and their citizens," President
Adamkus said.

According to the Lithuanian President, such a decision must be based
on international legal principles and contribute to stronger peace,
security and stability in the region and beyond, and that the concrete
solution should be sought within the existing negotiation formats of
the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

TRADITIONAL ARMENIAN CUISINE AT MERCHANTS’ LUNCHEON
By Ksee News

KSEE
Nov 13 2008
CA

The annual Merchants’ Luncheon is taking place at First Armenian
Presbyterian Church in Fresno on Thursday, November 13. KSEE Sunrise
reporter Pamela Prado shows us some of the cuisine they’ll have
available. The annual fall gathering is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at
430 South First Street, between Huntington Boulevard and Kings
Canyon. Lunch is $12 per person and includes seasoned lulu kebab, rice
pilaf, cheese boureg, garden salad, pickled tourshee, fresh peda bread,
paklava de’Anatolia, and a drink. Their famous "A Hundred Years and
Still Cooking" cookbooks will also be for sale for $30. Pamela says the
food is delicious! For more information, call (559) 237-6638 or click
on the link below: ml

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN ATTENDS ARMPRODEXPO-2008
Alisa Gevorgyan

"Radiolur"
12.11.2008 16:29

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan attended the Armprodexpo-2008
8th international exhibition of agricultural products. The President
walked about the pavilions and met with representatives of the
participant companies.

"My impressions are very good, but contradictory. I see and rejoice at
the quality of our food and manufactured products, but simultaneously
I wonder why this high quality is not wide-spread all over the world,"
President Sargsyan told reporters. According to him, the government
should do its best to help Armenian producers to sell their production
in different sides of the world.

"We should try to create new brands like the Armenian cognac, which is
popular all over the world, the Armenian apricot, the sheep cheese,
goat cheese and other tasty foodstuffs," Serzh Sargsyan said. The
President said he anticipates the support of media, since advertising
is one of the best means in this case.

More than 60 companies participate in the exhibition. Companies of a
number of CIS countries, Germany and England present their products
alongside Armenian goods.

The expo has been organized with the support of the Armenian Ministry
of Agriculture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Yerevan City Hall,
the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Agrobusiness Development
Centre CJSC.

CYPRUS READY TO SUPPORT ARMENIA’S STRATEGIC INTERESTS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE ENP

armradio.am
12.11.2008 17:39

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Tigran Sargsyan, received the President
of the House of Representatives of Cyprus Marios Garoyan and his
delegation.

Greeting the guests, the Prime Minister noted that the relations
between Armenia and Cyprus are of warm and friendly nature, and it’s
necessary to expand and develop the existing ties. Tigran Sargsyan
expressed hope that the visit of the Cypriot delegation to Armenia
will serve as an additional impetus to the deepening of multifaceted
relations between the two countries.

Underscoring that this is his first visit to Armenia, Marios
Garoyan noted that he has already managed to get convinced that all
opportunities exist for deepening the Armenian-Cypriot relations on
intergovernmental and interparliamentary levels, as well as within
international organizations.

During the meeting the parties dwelt on the Armenia-EU
relations. Maruios Garoyan noted that as member of the European Union,
Cyprus is ready to support Armenia’s strategic interests within the
framework of the European Neighborhood Policy. Reference was made to
Turkey-Cyprus and Tureky-Armenia relations and the problems existing
in those relations.