Author: Frangulian Shushan

TAX POLICY BECOMES MORE RIGID

KarabakhOpen
12-06-2008 11:40:36

Several big grocery stores in Stepanakert are closed. On the doors
is the seal of the Tax Service and the note that the given store
is closed from June 10 to 19 because of breaches of the use of cash
machines. The closure of shops causes inconveniences for the citizens
who now have to go far to buy food.

>From November 2007 132 audits were conducted. 102 revealed
breaches. The sum of fines for breaches of the use of cash machines
is 9 million 825 thousand drams, of which 6 million 125 thousand
drams was paid to the state budget.

Before and during the audit the taxpayers received oral
notifications. So, the fines were not unexpected. During the audit
the activities of a number of companies were suspended.

SYNOPSYS-ARMENIA TO RECEIVE APPLICANTS FOR ADMISSION TO INTERAGENCY DEPARTMENT FROM JULY 2
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ARKA
JUne 12

Synopsys-Armenia will start receiving applicants to the company-based
Interagency Department of the State Engineering (SEUA) University of
Armenia. The applicants must be third-year and four-year SEUA student.

The deadline for registration is July 7. The three-stage exam
includes an interview, as well as foreign language proficiency and
basic knowledge tests, said Hovik Musaelyan, Axecutive Director of
Synopsys-Armenia.

About 270 students have graduated from the Interagency Department
for the past seven years.

According to Musaelyan, senior students will study Synopsys education
programs and get a certificate from the company. "We offer our students
high-quality education thanks to which they will be able to become
good specialists to work on leading IT-companies," the Synopsys
Executive said.

By implementing the education program, the company makes an attempt
to prevent the brain drain, as having good education background,
SEUA students can find a well-paid job without leaving abroad,
according to Musaelyan.

He said about 30% of their graduates are employed in the company.

The State Engineering University of Armenia (Polytechnic) is the
leader of national technological education. Since its foundation
in 1933 SEUA (previous Yerevan Polytechnic Institute) has had over
100.000 graduates.

Today the University has over 11.000 students and 1.000 full-time
faculty members, most of them carrying doctoral degrees. 105 majors
are offered for the Bachelor of Engineering and the diploma Specialist
(5years) degrees, 19 majors offered for the Master of Engineering
Degree, 17 majors offered for Engineers-researchers.

Synopsys, Inc., a world leader in Electronic Design Automation
(EDA) software for semiconductor design, established its presence
in Armenia in 2004, shortly after Armenia’s declaration of IT as a
priority sector.

Since then, the Synopsys Armenia CJSC (closed joint stock company),
has become one of the largest Synopsys sites outside of the United
States providing R&D and product support in the areas of EDA, Design
for Manufacturing and development of semiconductor IP. Currently,
the company employs several hundred qualified Armenian engineers,
and is serving as the industry’s flagship and one of largest IT
employers in Armenia.

ARMENIAN CB TO CONTINUE AMBITIOUS PROJECTS
ARKA
JUne 12

The Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) will continue implementing ambitious
projects, CBA Chairman Artur Javadyan told reporters.

"We will continue out policy of inflation control and floating
rate. The CBA will continue all the ambitious projects and launch
new ones," Javadyan told reporters.

He pointed out the importance of cooperation between the CBA and the
RA Government, coordination of the monetary and fiscal policies.

Javadyan added that the CBA will continue its policy of developing
Armenia’s financial system for it to meet the best international
standards. He also pointed out that large international financial
organizations are already working in Armenia.

The HSBC Bank, Rosgosstrakh, Ingosstrakh, NASDAQ OMX are operating
in Armenia. Armenia’s securities market has great potential for
development, Javadyan said.

RA PROSECUTOR GENERAL MEETS WITH DETAINED DEPUTIES
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NO YAN TAPAN
June 12, 2008

Aghvan Hovsepian, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia,
visited the "Yerevan – Kentron" penitentiary office, where he met
with Myasnik Malkhasian, Sasun Mikayelian, Hakob Hakobian, as well
as Gagik Jhangirian and Ararat Zurabian, deputies of the RA National
Assembly detained within the frameworks of the criminal case filed
in connection with the March 1 events.

According to the Press Service of the RA Prosecutor General’s Office,
those detained stated that "they have no complaints concerning the
conditions of the penitentiary office, the attitude of the board of
administration and the body conducting the preliminary investigation,
they did not complain of their health state either."

VARDGES HOVAKIMIAN IS NEW REGIONAL GOVERNOR
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A1+
12 June, 2008

The Government issued a decree on appointing Vardges Hovakimian to
the position of Regional Governor of Ararat Region, RA. Before the
appointment Hovakimian used to work in the RA Realty State Cadastre
as Head of "Marash" regional subdivision.

SENATE AND HOUSE HEARINGS TO FOCUS ON ARMENIA AND CAUCASUS REGION

PanARMENIAN.Net
11.06.2008 14:41 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The focus of two key Congressional committees will
turn to the Caucasus region next week as Senate Foreign Relations
Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee members will, in an
exercise of their oversight responsibilities, have the opportunity to
question State Department officials on U.S. policy regarding Armenia
and the surrounding area, the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA) told PanARMENIAN.Net.

Assistant Secretary of State for Europe Dan Fried will testify before
the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday June 18th at 10:00am
EDT regarding U.S.

policy toward the Caucasus region. Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) and
his fellow Committee members will be focusing on a wide range of issues
including the ongoing blockade of Armenia, U.S. policy on the Armenian
Genocide, and foreign aid. Turkish Ambassador to the U.S. Nabi Sensoy
recently denied the existence of a Turkish blockade, arguing that
there are many Armenians who serve as "nannies" to Turkish children.

The World Bank estimates that Turkey and Azerbaijan’s blockades of
Armenia reduce Armenia’s GDP by up to 38% annually.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), along with Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA)
and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ)
and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) recently introduced the "End the Turkish
Blockade of Armenia" Bill (H.R. 6079), which calls upon Turkey to
end its blockade of Armenia and asks the U.S. Department of State to
report on its efforts towards this end.

On Thursday, June 19th, at 2:15pm, the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee is slated to hold a confirmation hearing for U.S. Ambassador
to Armenia nominee Marie Yovanovitch.

On March 28, 2008, Pres. Bush nominated Amb. Marie L.

Yovanovitch to serve as America’s next Ambassador to Armenia. The
ANCA has spoken to Committee members about the value of carefully
questioning Amb. Yovanovitch on the many issues she will face as the
U.S. envoy in Yerevan, among them the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide, Turkey and Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockades of Armenia, and
the need for a balanced U.S. role in helping forge a democratic and
peaceful resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. These efforts
have been supported by extensive on-line outreach and a national
postcard campaign to key Senate Foreign Relations Committee members.

President Bush’s previous nominee as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia,
Richard Hoagland, was subject to two legislative holds by Sen. Bob
Menendez (D-NJ) and was ultimately withdrawn by the Administration,
following the nominee’s statements denying the Armenian Genocide.

The last U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans, was fired by
President Bush for speaking honestly about the Armenian Genocide. The
ANCA led the Armenian American community campaign opposing Hoagland’s
nomination, stating that a genocide denier could not serve as a
credible and effective U.S.

–Boundary_(ID_4q6dnSJKpuIPRpSMcHz4ug)
Conte nt-type: message/rfc822; CHARSET=US-ASCII
Content-description:

From: Sebouh Z Tashjian <[email protected]>
Subject: Senate and House hearings to focus on Armenia and Caucasus Region
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Content-transfer-encoding: 8BIT

PanARMENIAN.Net

Senate and House hearings to focus on Armenia and
Caucasus Region
11.06.2008 14:41 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The focus of two key Congressional
committees will turn to the Caucasus region next week
as Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House
Foreign Affairs Committee members will, in an exercise
of their oversight responsibilities, have the
opportunity to question State Department officials on
U.S. policy regarding Armenia and the surrounding
area, the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA) told PanARMENIAN.Net.

Assistant Secretary of State for Europe Dan Fried will
testify before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on
Wednesday June 18th at 10:00am EDT regarding U.S.
policy toward the Caucasus region. Chairman Howard
Berman (D-CA) and his fellow Committee members will be
focusing on a wide range of issues including the
ongoing blockade of Armenia, U.S. policy on the
Armenian Genocide, and foreign aid. Turkish Ambassador
to the U.S. Nabi Sensoy recently denied the existence
of a Turkish blockade, arguing that there are many
Armenians who serve as "nannies" to Turkish children.
The World Bank estimates that Turkey and Azerbaijan?s
blockades of Armenia reduce Armenia?s GDP by up to 38%
annually.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), along with Rep. George
Radanovich (R-CA) and Congressional Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI) recently introduced the "End the
Turkish Blockade of Armenia" Bill (H.R. 6079), which
calls upon
Turkey to end its blockade of Armenia and asks the
U.S. Department of State to report on its efforts
towards this end.

On Thursday, June 19th, at 2:15pm, the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee is slated to hold a confirmation
hearing for U.S. Ambassador to Armenia nominee Marie
Yovanovitch.

On March 28, 2008, Pres. Bush nominated Amb. Marie L.
Yovanovitch to serve as
America?s next Ambassador to Armenia. The ANCA has
spoken to Committee members about the value of
carefully questioning Amb. Yovanovitch on the many
issues she will face as the U.S. envoy in Yerevan,
among them the recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
Turkey and Azerbaijan?s ongoing blockades of Armenia,
and the need for a balanced U.S. role in helping forge
a democratic and peaceful resolution to the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict. These efforts have been supported
by extensive on-line outreach and a national postcard
campaign to key Senate Foreign Relations Committee
members.

President Bush?s previous nominee as U.S. Ambassador
to Armenia, Richard Hoagland, was subject to two
legislative holds by Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and was
ultimately withdrawn by the Administration, following
the nominee?s statements denying the Armenian
Genocide.

The last U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall
Evans, was fired by President Bush for speaking
honestly about the Armenian Genocide. The ANCA led the
Armenian American community campaign opposing
Hoagland?s nomination, stating that a genocide denier
could not serve as a credible and effective U.S.
spokesperson in Armenia.

Get the name you always wanted with the new y7mail email address.

–Boundary_(ID_4q 6dnSJKpuIPRpSMcHz4ug)–

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

"IT IS THE CLERGY THAT BRINGS INTO LIFE THE MISSION OF OUR CHURCH"

SAID HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

The two-day General Assembly of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s Brotherhood
ended on June 6 with the concluding remarks of His Holiness Aram I, who
praised the constructive participation of the Brotherhood members in the
discussions that took place and those who delivered the talks, expressing
their viewpoints and concerns on various important issues.

The second day of the Assembly featured some special topics such as "The
multi-faceted service of the Armenian clergy in the present world in the
spiritual, educational, cultural and social fields", "A reassessment of the
Cilician Brotherhood’s mission." Talks were presented on these two themes by
Brotherhood members. Both presentations underlined challenges that needed to
be overcome. Discussion followed to each presentation.

The concerns expressed by the speakers on the challenges Armenian clergy
face, particularly in the Diaspora, in their spiritual, educational,
cultural and social fields of service, became the center of attention of
much debate by the Brotherhood members.

In his concluding remarks, the Pontiff shed light on some of the expressed
concerns and difficulties, giving new impetus to the Brotherhood’s calling
to serve the church. His Holiness called upon the Brotherhood members to
overcome these difficulties and face the identified challenges through
dedicated service, which he considered to be one of the unique
characteristics of the Cilician Brotherhood.

"Service is our glory, our strength, our reputation. However, our
Brotherhood should constantly subject itself to reassessment and renewal. It
is our Brotherhood that brings into life our Holy See’s mission. Therefore,
our strict policy towards spiritual-intellectual formation is essential. In
order to speak with the current world, we need to know the language, the
problems and challenges of the current world," His Holiness emphasized.

Talking about the Church’s true character and its service, Aram I said: "It
is necessary to preserve the specific identity of our church’s mission in
its spiritual, social, educational and cultural aspects. Our church is not
simply a national structure, but a Godly mission in our people’s lives",
reminded His Holiness.

The General Assembly also adopted the Cilician Brotherhood’s By-Laws, which
has been refined through years of practice and trial. The Brotherhood
presented the By-Laws the Pontiff for ratification.

##
View the group photo here:
tos/Photos268.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

ARMENTEL CLIENTS TO USE MOBILE COMMUNICATION UNDERGROUND

ARKA
June 5, 2008

YEREVAN, June 5. /ARKA/. Clients of the ArmenTel Company (Beeline
brand) will henceforth be able to use mobile communication in the
Yerevan Underground.

"We attached much importance top the program, as there is a rather
keen demand for mobile communication," stated ArmenTel Director
Neicho Velichkov.

All the stations of the Yerevan Underground were gradually involved
in the program. Now the clients will be able to use all the standard
services, including Internet communication.

The ArmenTel Company is a subsidiary of VimpelCom (Beeline brand). The
Russian company purchased ArmenTel last April. ArmenTel render
fixed-line telephone communication services to about 640,000
subscribers, and mobile communication services to 450,000 clients.

AMALIAN IRRITATED EVERYONE

A1+
[08:22 pm] 04 June, 2008

"I must restrain my emotions," said Mesrop Harutiunian, member of the
Journalists Union of Armenia, expert of the Yerevan Press Club and
Committee for the Protection of Freedom of Expression after listening
to the speech of the Chairman of the National Commission for TV and
Radio, Grigor Amalian.

After Zharangutiun MP Stepan Safarian announced that the law regulating
live broadcast is constantly being broken in Armenia, Amalian requested
to bring an example. Mesrop Harutiunian named Article 15 of the RoA Law
on "Television and Radio" which is being violated by all TV companies
including Public TV.

Article 15 stipulates that a programme cannot be interrupted by a
sponsor’s ad. The ad may be broadcast either at the beginning or at
the end of the programme.

Asked how many lawbreakers have been punished, Amalian said it is
beyond his competence to answer question referring to the legislative
field.

Today the NCTR President had to mention A1+’s name several times as
the opposition parliamentarians were concerned over the company’s fate.

Reminder, A1+ went off the air six years ago. The company has
participated in twelve broadcasting tenders since then but all in vain.

In reply to Anahit Baghshian’s question when A1+ will be returned to
the air, Amalian said, "A1+’s fate depends on the result of tenders
set by law."

Amalian declined to answer Zharangutiun MP Zaruhi Postanjian’s
question as well. The latter wondered why Amalian didn’t fulfill
his duties and forbid high-rank officials to breach the law during
elections. She also blamed Amalian for the March 1 occurrences.

"Nothing has changed in the sphere for the past ten years. We still
face the same challenges," said the chairman of Gyumri’s "Asparez"
Journalists Club, Levon Barseghian.

While speaking of the NCTR formation Grigor Amalian noted the
Commission had better recruit specialists of the given sphere who
are not engaged in politics.

In reply to A1+’s question whether the NCTR will announce a tender
for free frequencies in autumn as the licenses of some TV Companies
expire in spring Amalian said, "The Commission is an executive body
and acts according to the legislation. The law foresees tenders in
such cases," he said without giving a definite answer.

CHARLES AZNAVOUR VISITS ARMENIA

armradio.am
03.06.2008 12:48

World known singer Charles Aznavour arrived in Yerevan yesterday. At
"Zvartnots" airport he was met by RA Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian.

"I have come to Armenia in good spirits. I have come with my daughter,
grandchildren and my grandson’s wife, who is from Armenia. I come
here once a year, and every time I feel great joy," Charles Aznavour
told journalists.

Asked weather he has seen his house-museum being built in Yerevan,
the maestro said he has seen only the model.

"God knows when the Armenian spectators will listen to me again,"
Charles Aznavour said in response to the question when he is going
to perform in Armenia.