Author: Jalatian Sonya

POLL PLACES SERZH SARKISIAN AHEAD OF ALL PRESIDENTIAL CONTENDERS

ARMENPRESS
Nov 8, 2007

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS: A public opinion survey conducted
in Armenia between October 25-31 has found that 67 percent of 2000
respondents believe that prime minister Serzh Sarkisian will win the
2008 presidential election.

The findings of the survey conducted by ComRes, one of the leading
polling and research consultancies in Great Britain, were unveiled
yesterday by Andrew Hawkins, its chief executive.

According to the poll, only 4 percent believe that ex-president Levon
Ter-Petrosian is able to win the election. He was followed by a former
parliament chairman Arthur Baghdasarian, head of the Orinats Yerkir
(Country of Law) party with 3 percent of popular support.

Two percent said they think that Raffi Hovhanesian, a former foreign
minister and now head of the opposition Zharangutyun (Heritage) party
would become next presidnet. Artashes Geghamian, Tigran Karapetian,
Vazgen Manukian, deputy parliament speaker Vahan Hovhanesian of the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), Armen Rustamian and Aram
Karapetian enjoy each one percent of voter support.

Some 56 percent said they would go to the polls next February to
elect a president. If the election were held this week, 55 percent
would participate in it.

According to the survey, 45 percent of the respondents regard Serzh
Sarkisian as an able politician to deal with Armenia’s external policy
challenges and press for a favorable resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict. Only 3 percent believe that Levon Ter-Petrosian can cope
with these problems effectively.

Twenty percent of respondents think that Serzh Sarkisian and Arthur
Baghdasarian are capable of launching an effective crackdown on
rampant corruption. Raffi Hovhanesian is third in this respect.

Thirty-three percent believe that Serzh Sarkisian is the best candidate
to deal with economic problems.

Thirty-one percent also believe that the prime minister is the man
who can solve effectively all social problems.

Thirty-six percent think Armenia’s future lie with all international
organizations, 29 percent with EU, 24 with CIS, 4 percent with NATO.

AMERICAN NEWSPAPER BLAMES U.S. GOVERNMENT FOR UNJUSTIFIED WEAKNESS

YERKIR
08.11.2007 13:15

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – "Heaven forbid that the United States should
do something morally correct, like acknowledge the Genocide of the
Armenians by the Turks. Twenty-four countries have done so," South
Florida Sun-Sentinel newspaper reports.

"Would you give "deepest sympathy" to the Jews or the people of Darfur
for their tragedies? The Turkish government is not our friend or
ally. It blackmails us for money, or, in this case, policy, for the
right to use bases in their country. Why can’t the U.S. government
stand strong for once?" the article says.

PIPE CLEANS UP THANKS TO BIG-RACE DEFECTIONS
Ron Cox in Exeter

The Guardian
Wednesday November 7, 2007

· Pablo lifts Gold Cup after champion chaser’s exit
· Trainer not keen on Paddy Power Chase for winner

When Voy Por Ustedes, the two-mile champion chaser, was a late defector
from the William Hill Gold Cup here yesterday, closely followed
by Twist Magic, who has been touted as the next top two-miler, the
collective sighs from the Exeter executive could be heard around the
west country.

One local not complaining, however, was trainer David Pipe, whose
Pablo Du Charmil made the short journey from his Nicholashayne base
in Somerset to plunder the Grade Two prize and a winner’s purse of
nearly £40,000.

"We wouldn’t have run if Voy Por Ustedes was here, as we would have
been 7lb wrong in the weights," said Pipe. "I told Joe [Moran, the
owner] we weren’t running but after the top weight came out he said
we had made the right decision. He had walked the track and said it
was nice, safe ground."

With a roll of honour that includes winners of the calibre of Best
Mate, Edredon Bleu and Azertyuiop, the William Hill Gold Cup has earned
its status as one of jump racing’s early-season highlights. Pablo
Du Charmil may not go down as one of chasing’s greats, but he gave
a packed grandstand plenty to shout about.

Under an attacking ride from Tom Scudamore, the six-year-old grabbed
an early lead which he never relinquished. Turning into the home
straight with a healthy advantage, he kept up the gallop to hold off
Royal Shakespeare for a three-lengths victory.

"Tom chucked him at the last and he came up for him like a brave
horse," said Pipe. Hill’s cut Pablo Du Charmil from 25-1 to 16-1
for the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday week, but Pipe said he was
"not keen" on going for that.

Fair Along, who stayed on to finish third after an untidy round of
jumping, will probably go "left-handed and over 2½ miles next time"
according to his trainer, Philip Hobbs, but the Paddy Power did not
figure in immediate plans either. "It suits him to be out in front,
which he didn’t get here," said Hobbs. "But he didn’t jump as well
as he can and we’ll need time to put that right."

Hobbs, who notched a double with Shanxi Girl and Templer, confirmed
that the Ascot Hurdle later this month will be Detroit City’s first
chance this season to bounce back from his dismal efforts at Cheltenham
and Aintree in the spring. "He seems in good form," said Hobbs. "But
we’ll have to see. He takes a lot of work and he’ll have three weeks’
hard graft ahead."

Kevin Bishop, who was out of luck with Gumley Gale in the penultimate
race here, said his stable star Ashley Brook, who began his chasing
career with an impressive win on this card three years ago, will be
given an entry for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Ashley Brook suffered a puncture wound to his hind fetlock when
he came down when leading four fences from home in the Old Roan
Chase. "Paddy [Brennan] said he still had plenty of running left in
him," said Bishop. "There’s a way to go with him yet, which probably
rules out the Tingle Creek at Sandown. But we will certainly consider
the King George."

Jim Old kicked off his season through Counting House in the
williamhillcasino.com Novice Hurdle. The 5-4 favourite seemed none
the worse for finishing second at Ascot on Saturday and sat on the
shoulder of Armenian Boy as the pair drew clear. Counting House, trying
an extra three furlongs here, stamped his authority on proceedings
in the home straight under Jason Maguire.

Ron Cox’s tip of the day

Points Of View 7.20 Kempton

Seb Sanders looks to have a fine chance of cutting Jamie Spencer’s lead
in the jockeys’ title race by at least one today on this two-year-old
who will be well suited by the step up to a mile. The selection left
his previous form behind when winning what looked an above-average
nursery over seven furlongs at Kempton last week and should be
supported to defy his 6lb penalty for that success.

–Boundary_(ID_vjpp25sNcLRKae4mbwwAqg)–

MRS. HALONEN HOPES PROGRESS WILL BE REGISTERED IN THE KARABAKH ISSUE DURING OSCE FINNISH PRESIDENCY

armradio.am
07.11.2007 10:58

"I’m optimistic that during Finnish presidency of the OSCE we shall be
able to move forward the process of the Karabakh conflict settlement,"
Finland’s President Tarja Halonen said during a joint press conference
with visiting President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan.

According to her, Finland is properly preparing to assume the OSCE
presidency next year, and having been involved in the settlement
process ever since 1990, it is well-familiar with the Karabakh issue.

"We understand the special interest of the Armenian people in the
issue, and now I can state that we shall be trying to intensify
the process," Mrs. Halonen said. Expressing the satisfaction of the
Finnish side with the visit of President Robert Kocharyan and the
Armenian official delegation, she noted there are three reasons for
this. First, the relations between Armenia and Finland are very good,
and these must be reinforced in the future. The second reason is
associated with the Finnish presidency of the OSCE next year. The
third reason is Armenia’s being a country of the Black Sea region,
and the European Union seeks to establish close ties with these
states. The President of Finland attached importance to personal
ties as well: during her visit to Armenia two years ago Halonen had
a number of remarkable meetings. According to the Finnish President,
all the above-mentioned directions were discussed during the meeting
with Robert Kocharyan.

Thanking for warm reception, RA president Robert Kocharyan noted
that the whole framework of bilateral relations was discussed during
the negotiations. He reconfirmed the willingness of the Armenian
side to develop the bilateral relations with Finland and expressed
appreciation for the fact that an opportunity has been provided to
continue the political dialogue established years ago.

CBA RAISES ANNUAL REFINANCING RATE TO 5.25%

ARKA
Nov 5, 2007

YEREVAN, November 5. /ARKA/. The Board of the Central Bank of Armenia
(CBA) made a decision on November 2 to raise the refinancing rate by
0.25pct to 5.25% annual percentage rate. The new refinancing policy
(on November 2 and earlier on October 2) aims at balancing the
inflationary pressure, the CBA press service reports.

According to the CBA Board members, despite revaluation of the Armenian
Dram (AMD), the recent unprecedented increase of world prices of oil,
crops, vegetable oil and ghee caused high inflationary pressure on
the Armenian market.

However, members of CBA Board believe it is impossible to balance the
external inflationary pressure by monetary instruments. At the same
time, they are apt to think that repeated influence of such external
factors resulting in high rates of consumption and extensive influence
of expected budget expenditures will cause inflationary pressure in
the future.

3.1% inflation was recorded in Armenia in October 2007 (against
September).

As a result, the annual inflation (in October 2007 as compared to
October 2006) totaled 5.7%, exceeding by 0.2pct the upper notch of
the target (4±1.5%).

According to the RA sate budget, 4% (±1.5%) inflation is planned by
late 2007

–Boundary_(ID_3KQXS94qCS+IdIM5PFsqOQ)–

ARMENIA WISHES WELFARE FOR THE OSCE

Lragir.am
05-11-2007 15:27:18

The foreign minister of Armenia Vardan Oskanyan commented on the
notorious document signed by some pro-Russian CIS governments,
including Armenia, on an initiative of Russia, and presented to the
OSCE. The document was a proposal on sending fewer OSCE election
observers to the CIS countries.

During a news conference on November 5 the Armenian reporters
asked the CoE Secretary General Terry Davis to comment on this
initiative. However, the Armenian foreign minister Vardan Oskanyan
also wanted to answer this question. He said the document had been
perceived wrongly. According to the Armenian foreign minister, the
proposal refers to the OSCE long-term missions which are financed from
the OSCE budget. To relieve the financial burden of the budget, as
Vardan Oskanyan says, a proposal was made to cut long-term observation
missions to 50 observers.

According to Vardan Oskanyan, it will not affect Armenia in any
way because so far not more than 30 observers have been included
in the OSCE long-term observation mission for observing different
elections. Vardan Oskanyan also said Armenia has joined this proposal
only to increase the effectiveness of the OSCE observation missions.

As to Terry Davis, he said he hopes this initiative will not affect
observation of elections in Armenia but he also said it might be better
if the OSCE answers this question, while he preferred to speak about
the CoE observation mission. He said before the presidential election
the CoE is going to implement a ten-point program which will focus
on the freedom of the media. According to the CoE Secretary General,
it is not important what the media report two or three weeks before
the election. It is important what they report three or four months
before the election because it affects the decision of voters. Davis
also said this program is implemented together with the Armenian
government because they do not imposing but they help if they are
expected to help. The CoE Secretary General also said the election
is not only the voting day but also the period preceding it.

EUROPEAN OFFICIAL REFERS TO KARABAKH AS SEPARATISTS

Lragir.am
05-11-2007 14:41:38

The local election held in Karabakh a few weeks ago, unlike the
previous election, was not criticized by the Council of Europe, the
reporters reminded Terry Davis visiting Armenia, who is the secretary
general of the Council of Europe, on November 5. Why this time the
CoE did not criticize the NKR local election, the Armenian reporters
asked Davis with irony.

The CoE Secretary General admitted that this time the CoE did not
utter a critical word for the election. He added, however, that the
Nagorno-Karabakh regime is not recognized by the world, and if he
does not condemn the local election, it does not mean he recognizes
it. According to Terry Davis, if he reacts to every similar thing
taking place in the world, time may not be enough. The CoE Secretary
General went so far as to compare it with the barring of a gay parade,
saying that he does not necessarily need to make a statement condemning
the prohibition. Sometimes silence is the best way of expressing
disagreement, says the secretary general of the Council of Europe,
who perhaps does not know that in the Armenian culture it is quite
the opposite, and silence is a sign of approval.

The reporters also asked why Terry Davis refers to Karabakh as a
regime while he does not refer similarly to Kosovo. Davis explained
that there is a major difference between Karabakh and Kosovo. The
CoE Secretary General says there is no separatist regime in Kosovo,
the United Nations rules there.

Terry Davis says he understands that some in Kosovo want to
separate from Serbia but it is not the government. He compares the
Nagorno-Karabakh government with Abkhazia, Transdniestr and other
similar subjects, referring to them as separatist regimes.

Protest as memorial is unveiled

Story from BBC NEWS:
7075899.stm

Published: 2007/11/03 15:50:14 GMT

Members of the Turkish community protested at the unveiling of a plaque
to a genocide they say never happened.
The Armenian genocide of 1915 at the time of the Ottoman Empire has
been a source of deep division between Turkish and Armenian communities
worldwide.

Armenians say 1.5m were killed, through systematic massacres or
starvation, a claim denied by the Turkish community.

Saturday’s unveiling at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff events saw
feelings running high on both sides.

Welsh assembly Presiding Officer Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas was at the
unveiling of the plaque which has been paid for by donations from the
Wales Armenia Society.

‘Slandered’

Members of the Turkish community insist that erecting the memorial
amounted to racism.

Protestor Levent Hassan said: "It’s a question of our ancestors being
accused of genocide."

"If such a genocide took place, then let’s prove it and let all
concerned commemorate those horrible events," he added.

"But if there isn’t – why should we allow our ancestors to be slandered
in such a way."

The monument stands in the gardens of the Temple of Peace on what is
said to be the UK’s first piece of public land donated for an Armenian
memorial.

Ahead of the ceremony, Welsh assembly Presiding Officer Dafydd
Elis-Thomas said Wales’s relationship with Armenia "went back
centuries".

He receive a marble cross, or khatchkar, on behalf of Wales at the
unveiling ceremony.

Welsh interest

Lord Elis-Thomas joined members of the Armenian and Christian
communities on Saturday.

"The fact that the funds for this fine memorial have been raised
entirely by the Armenians who live in Wales and that it will occupy a
special place here in the Temple of Peace, reflects the vibrant Welsh
interest in the history of Armenia," he said.

The Welsh Centre for International Affairs, which is located at the
Temple of Peace, is a forum which seeks to promote human rights and
international understanding.

Steven Thomas, its director, sad: "We’ve held events at the Temple of
Peace over the past seven years to note the Armenian genocide,
including parts of ceremonies we’ve held for National Holocaust
Remembrance Day in January each year. "

However, he said there had been a "much bigger response" to the
monument because the commemoration to the Armenians would literally be
set in stone.

HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL IS SURE THAT PROTECTIONISM FACTOR IS NOT A FREQUENT PHENOMENON WHEN SELECTING CADRES

arminfo
2007-11-02 15:59:00

ArmInfo. Protectionism factor is not a frequent phenomenon when
selecting cadres of civil service, the head of Civil Service Council
Manvel Badalyan told Arminfo correspondent when commenting on the
results of monitoring and selection of cadres of civil service.

, – Badalyan said.

Nevertheless we should say that according to the results of the
monitoring held by the Armenian Union of State Employees together
with Civil Service Council and financed of the OSCE Yerevan office
and EurAsia Foundation, the major part of respondents (30%) called
protectionism as one of the problems which is still relevant today
when giving job to somebody or holding review.

ARMENIAN DRAFT STATE BUDGET PROVIDES $376,5 MILLION FOR DEFENSE SECTOR

PanARMENIAN.Net
02.11.2007 14:09 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian draft state budget for fiscal year
2008 provides 122 billion AMD (over $376,5 million) for defense sector.

The figure exceeds the 2007 index with 20%, RA Defense Minister Mikael
Harutyunyan said adding that the funds will be spent on raising the
army efficiency and integration of new equipment.

"Military’s salary will be raised with some 10%.

Officers will be paid some 182,000 AMD. Junior officer staff will
receive some 110,000 AMD. Contract militants’ salary will make some
90,000 while civil servants are supposed to be paid some 60,000,"
he said.

"Next year we also planning to provide some 600 apartments for the
officer staff," he added.

3 mln AMD will spent on improving living conditions of the families of
disabled and killed servicemen. "The efficiency of our Armed Forces
will be maintained. Our army will defend our territory, our state
and Nagorno Karabakh," the Minister said, IA Regnum reports.