Author: Hovhannisian John

PROCREDIT GERMAN BANK TO START IN ARMENIA IN 2008

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Dec 4 2007

YEREVAN, December 4. /ARKA/. ProCredit German bank intends to start
its activities in Armenia in 2008, German Ambassador to Armenia Andrea
Victorin said at her meeting with students of Yerevan State Linguistic
University after Briusov.

Seven foreign banks and financial structures, including Dutch Post
Bank, Russian Gasprombank, German ProCredit, Raiffeisenbank (Austria)
and Lebanese Biblos bank expressed wish to start business in Armenia.

As per the information of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA), as of
March 31 the actual authorized stock of Armenia’s banking system
totaled 82,907.5mln drams; the share of non-residents in the capital
of Armenian banks increased 8.3% (2,956mln Drams) up to 38,626.2mln
Drams in January-March. In fact, non-residents had 46.59% of the
overall authorized stock of the country’s banking system (44.53%
in the beginning of the year).

21 commercial banks operate in Armenia today. ($1=306.94Drams).

REVISED DRAFT BUDGET 2008 IS DISCUSSED IN RA PARLIAMENT

2007-11-27 12:06:00

ArmInfo. Today, RA Parliament started discussing the final version
of the draft budget 2008 in its extraordinary sitting.

As RA Finance and Economy Minister Vardan Khachatryan said, the
government asks the republic’s parliament to approve the revenue
side of the country’s revised state budget at the rate of 746
bln drams, the expenditure side – at 822 bln drams, the budget
deficit – at 76 bln drams. The revenues and expenditures the local
authorities’ budgets will turn out at the level of 47,3 bln drams. As
the minister said, as a result of the parliamentary discussions,
most of the proposals was received on education – for about 10 bln
drams. These proposals were made by representatives of the Republican
party, and ARF "Dashnaktsutyun". Moreover, the proposals concerned
improvement of the water supply system, motor roads, health care
and the social sphere. In fact, the proposals were received for 3
bln drams. In general, V. Khachatryan said, there were few changes
made. In particular, the revenues and expenditure sides of the budget
were reduced by 720 mln mainly conditioned by vibration of American
dollar rate. First, they were going to set American dollar rate to
the Armenian dram at 336 drams, but after revision, it was set at 325
drams for a dollar. Moreover, the government offered to increase the
revenue side of the state budget by 2 bln drams. It is envisaged to
direct the funds at the human resource and for an overhaul of schools.

LONGLIST CHOSEN FOR BBC TALENT SEARCH

Story from BBC NEWS:
ainment/7113270.stm
Published: 2007/11/27 13:56:30 GMT

The longlist of 20 finalists has been selected for the Next Big Thing
2007, the BBC’s global search to find new musical talent.

The final selection was chosen from a total of 2,000 entries from 88
countries – over twice the number of countries as the previous year.

They include a Tanzanian gospel singer, an Italian DJ, and a group
of 13 Brazilian-influenced Singaporeans.

There are also two orchestras, multi-lingual Kenyans, Belgian and
Russian dance acts and a vocal group performing the traditional music
of ancient Serbia.

Anoushka Shankar, one of a panel of judges selecting the finalists,
described the submissions as "wonderful music."

"I was amazed at the quality of all the music," she added.

Music’s big names

A number of rock groups have made the last 20, including Axis, from
Lithuania; Hraun, from Iceland; Instiga, from Brazil; and King Tut,
from the USA.

Solo females are also well represented, with Maya McCallum of France,
Penny Broadhurst of the UK, Tshila of Uganda and Jamaicans Sherita
Lewis and J Cee all making the longlist.

THE FINAL 20 Axis (Lithuania) Beatrice Moss (Tanzania) Fungu (Turkey)
Ha Ha Orchestra (UK) Hraun (Iceland) Instiga (Brazil) J Cee (Jamaica)
Jeremie Johnson (UAE) King Tut (USA) Maya McCallum (France) (pictured)
Noam Faingold Orchestra (USA) Penny Broadhurst (UK) Psy’aviah (Belgium)
Sherieta Lewis (Jamaica) Shortcut Therapy (Spain) Stereoptera (Russia)
Tshila (Uganda) Vrelo (Serbia) Wicked Aura (Singapore) Yunasi (Kenya)

The selection panel, which also includes singer Tori Amos and soul
star Omar, is also considering comments from the public, posted to
the Next Big Thing MySpace page, also being posted and considered.

The five finalists chosen by the panel will be announced on 3 December.

The final five will then fly to London to perform in front an all-star
jury who will pick the winner.

The jury, headed by producer William Orbit, also includes Indian
percussionist Talvin Singh, Tahita Bulmer of indie band New Young
Pony Club, and legendary musician and producer Niall Rodger – whose
work, with acts such as David Bowie, Madonna and Britney Spears,
has featured on albums selling over 100 million copies.

The final will be broadcast on BBC World Service on 9 December and
on BBC World television on 22 December.

The winning act will perform in front of a live audience of 3,000
people at London’s O2 arena as part of the celebrations for BBC World
Service’s 75th Anniversary in December, alongside some of the big
names in music.

Last year’s winner, Silva, went on to have a number one hit in her
home country Armenia and played the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Others who made the final 20 in 2006 included The Clik Clik, set to
release their first single next month, and Pilades, who went on to
support Deep Purple and Steppenwolf in concert.

GUL: "STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY HELPS OUR FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM"

Turkish Press
Star
Nov 28 2007

Speaking at press conference yesterday at the Turkish Embassy in
Paris, President Abdullah Gul said that Turkey has avoided sacrificing
democracy or freedom in its fight against terrorism and that this
has helped it to isolate terrorists. "Some countries have opted to
restrict rights and freedoms in the name of the fight against terror,
but Turkey has expanded them," said Gul.

"Strengthening democracy in Turkey helps our fight against
terrorism." Before leaving Paris, Gul met with French Prime Minister
Francois Fillon to discuss the fight against terrorism, the Armenian
issue, and Turkey’s European Union membership bid. "I mentioned
Turkey’s offer to set up a joint research commission regarding the
Armenian issue," he said. "Fillon supported our joint commission
idea. It was very fruitful meeting." In an interview with French
daily Le Figaro, Gul said Turkey’s relations with the EU have legal
foundations, adding that negotiations for its membership are well
underway. Gul said a French-proposed "Mediterranean union" project
was no substitute for Turkey’s full EU membership.

AN UNPRECEDENTED EVENT ON THE POLICAL ARENA
Haroutyun Gevorkyan

Hayots Ashkharh Daily
Nov 27 2007
Armenia

On Friday "Dashink" party convened its second and last session.

The issue included in the agenda was merging with Ramkavar-Liberal
Party of Armenia. One of the 644 delegates participating in the session
abstained from voting. The others voted for the proposal advanced by
Samvel Babayan, leader and founder of "Dashink" party.

The Head of the party expressed belief that "Dashink" can achieve
the intended success "only due to coordinated mutual cooperation". At
the same time, he didn’t conceal his disappointment with the current
negotiations and introduced the diagnosis of the pro-Opposition camp.

"There were only a couple of activists that were able to soberly assess
the situation, make a pragmatically clear political calculation and
behave in a decent manner. Unfortunately, their efforts were not
enough for restraining the political pretensions of the others at
least a little.

Self-satisfaction: this is the main disease our political arena
is suffering from. The result recorded by the Opposition is both
regrettable and equally natural. Then, having got into a mess because
of their own personal pretensions, those figures made a little fuss,
complaining about their lives, and then they went home with clear
conscience, having assumed the posture of someone who has accomplished
his task."

"National Revival" party also considers merging to be the only
remedy for the political arena. In a private interview with "Hayots
Ashkharh", ALBERT BAZEYAN, the leader of this political faction which
has more than 2300 members, expressed an opinion that reaching their
cherished goal, i.e. national revival, will be impossible without
merging. As reported by A. Bazeyan, the agenda issue of merging with
Ramkavar-Liberal Party of Armenia will be discussed during the December
5 session of "National Revival".

"Mr. Bazeyan, what goals and objectives do you see by merging with
S. Babayan’s ‘Dasink’ party, under the flag of Ramkavar-Liberal Party
of Armenia?"

"Our only goal is to start the process of accomplishing Armenia’s
political arena. This initiative of ours is not in any way related to
the upcoming presidential elections. It is obvious to us that each of
the 77 registered parties cannot possibly have its own ideology and
model of the developing the social system. Therefore, the existence
of around 8 dozen parties prompts that our political arena is not
accomplished yet.

It is necessary to put an end to all kinds of dissidences and start
the process of merging the parties pursuing similar ideologies."

"Nevertheless, all the political forces are preparing for the
presidential elections. Does it contribute to the formation of an
atmosphere, favorable for merging?"

"Those who display their pretensions by way of advancing their
candidature for presidency do, of course have that right. However, it
would be desirable for some political forces and activists to make a
sober assessment both on their potentials and the political situation.

At the same time, it is obvious that different pretenders pursue
different goals by running for presidency. Perhaps, some people
are really convinced that they can receive the people’s vote of
confidence. I consider that it will be more appropriate to evaluate
the candidates’ behavior after they are nominated and registered.

When they start the campaign and intorduce their programs, we will
express our clear-cut attitude."

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT ENDORSES STATE BUDGET FOR 2008

Mediamax Agency, Armenia
Nov 28 2007

Yerevan, 28 November: The National Assembly endorsed the Armenian
state budget for 2008 today.

The budget revenue in 2008 will total 746bn drams (about 2.5bn dollars)
and the budget expenditure will be about 822bn drams [2.7bn dollars],
Mediamax news agency reports.

"THEY ARE A TROIKA, NOT JUDGES"

A1+
[05:51 pm] 29 November, 2007

Ashot Sargsyan, attorney of the two owners of "Royal Armenia" Company
was not present during the delivery of the sentence. He said to "A1+"
that it was discrediting for him to come to the Court and to see the
faces of the judges. "Have you seen a true Court?

It is not a court; three men in black are not judges.

They are a "troika". And it was clear beforehand, what they would do",
said Ashot Sargsyan.

It should be reminded that the head of FIG Vache Petrosyan accused
the two owners of "Royal Armenia" of smuggling, avoiding taxes and
of falsifying documents.

The Court sentenced the executive director of the Company Aram
Ghazaryan to 2 years of imprisonment, and one of the owners Gagik
Hakobyan to 6 years of imprisonment.

Ashot Sargsyan informed us that he had appealed to the Court of
Cassation and in case on necessity he would appeal to the European
Court of Human Rights so that "the judges will feel on their skins
how it feels when you are accused of doing".

YOUTUBE VIDEO MAY BE SUBJECT TO TURKISH GOVERNMENT CENSORSHIP

PanARMENIAN.Net
30.11.2007 14:56 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A video documenting the achievements of the Armenian
National Committee – Western Region (ANC-WR) has been posted on
This video may be subject to censorship by the Turkish
government because it includes numerous references to the Armenian
Genocide. According to Eurasia Daily Monitor, a new set of Turkish
government regulations may criminalize access to websites and internet
content that does not conform to government-approved standards. The
article goes on to state that these latest restrictions certainly
are not in keeping with the openness and transparency required by
the European Union.

"From denying the genocide to censoring our YouTube videos, we see
the same pattern of the Turkish government seeking to subvert freedom
of expression and twist historical facts," stated Andrew Kzirian
Executive Director of the ANC-WR.

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Nov 30 2007

ARF Dashnaktsutyun ready to cooperate with other Armenian political
parties

YEREVAN, November 30. /ARKA/. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(ARF) Dashnaktsutyun is ready to cooperate with all the Armenian
political parties, said ARF Presidential Candidate, RA NA (National
Assembly) Deputy Speaker Vahan Hovhannisian.

`We are going to search supporters at the threshold of the
presidential election,’ he said. According to Hovhannisian, `life
will go on after election’ and ARF will keep cooperating with all the
political parties.

Dashnaktsutyun’s objective is to establish relations between
authorities and guarantee loyalty, the Deputy Speaker said. He
believes the acting authorities lack decision. This is the reason why
ARF has nominated their presidential candidate.

The ARF presidential candidate does not participate in the
forthcoming election to distribute portfolios, according to
Hovhannisian.

The presidential election will be held in Armenia on February 19,
2008. RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsian, Armenia’s first president
Levon Ter-Petrosian, Deputy Speaker of the RA Parliament Vahan
Hovhannisian, Leader of the `Orinats Yerkir’ Party (State of Law)
Arthur Baghdasarian, Leader of the RA National Democratic Union
Vazgen Manukian, Leader of the `Nor Zhamanakner’ (New Times) Party
Aram Karapetian, Leader of the Marxist Party of Armenia David
Hakobian and Leader of the People’s Party Tigran Karapetian are
candidates for presidency. Z. Sh. -0–

LPPA TO SUPPORT LEVON TER-PETROSIAN’S CANDIDATURE IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

Noyan Tapan
Nov 15, 2007

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, NOYAN TAPAN. A decision to support first RA
President Levon Ter-Petrosian’s candidature in the forthcoming
presidential elections was made at the sitting of most active
members of the Liberal Progressive Party of Armenia (LPPA). Hovhannes
Hovhannisian, the Chairman of the party, said this at the November
15 press conference. As he predicted, there will be no surprises in
Armenia’s home political field, the electoral campaign will mainly
proceed between the pro-governmental candidate and the first President.

H. Hovhannisian said that the authorities using administrative and
force resources, strive for hampering the holding of the opposition’s
rally scheduled for November 16. According to him, the authorities
intimidate opposition’s activists, in particular, "those pasting
leaflets," exert pressures on state officials, businessmen, and
other citizens, for them not to take part in the rally. At the same
time, H. Hovhannisian expressed confidence that the resource of the
authorities has been expired. "I doubt that the authorities will use
their force resource. However, if this happens, I think it will have
a grave impact on them: remember international community’s position
to Saakashvili," the LPPA Chairman said.