Author: Jidarian Alex

‘SOUTH CAUCASUS RAILWAY’ AND RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN UNIVERSITY TO CREATE CORPORATE MANAGEMENT SCHOOL

ArmInfo
2009-08-04 19:18:00

ArmInfo. ‘South Caucasus Railway’ and Russian-Armenian University
will create a corporate management school or a ‘Leadership School’,
SCR press service told ArmInfo. The corresponding memorandum was
signed today by Director General of SCR CJSC Shevket Shaydullin and
Rector of RAU Armen Darbinyan.

The school to be created aims at retraining of SCR’s specialists,
including the company’s top managers. So, according to the project
terms, 20 top managers of SCR, as well as 20 middle-link specialists
will receive training started early 2009-2010 academic year. The
training programme, developed by RAU specialists, includes such
disciplines as management economy, financial management, commerce,
applied strategic management, risk management in the conditions of
uncertainty, business analysis, tax planning in corporations, staff
management, investment designing and management accounting.

It is expected that RAU-SCR joint project will further allow to
attract a number of other big companies to cooperation. According
to the project initiators S. Shaydullin and A. Darbinyan, certain
business-structures have already expressed their interest in
participation in the ‘Leadership School’. Participants in the
memorandum expressed confidence that the project will be of a regular
nature. To note, about 4300 people work at SCR.

SCR CJSC is the 100 percent subsidiary of Russian Railways CJSC. In
February 2008 SCR obtained a concession of the state CJSC Armenian
Railway. The agreement of concession of the Armenian Railroad CJSC
for 30 years with a 10-year renewable period was signed in Yerevan
in February 2008.

EUROPEAN FEDERATION URGES NON-AGGRESSION PACT WITH ARMENIA

Asbarez
/european-federation-urges-non-aggression-pact-wit h-armenia/
Aug 3, 2009

BRUSSELS-In a statement to the OSCE, the European Armenian Federation
for Justice and Democracy expressed its profound concern about the
danger to the Caucasus security, and in particular to Armenia and
its population, resulting from Azerbaijan’s increased arms build-up
and militant policies.

The call refers to Azerbaijan’s excessive new investment in military
hardware and technology and the policy statements of the Azeri
President with respect to peace negotiations concerning the Karabakh
conflict, under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. Given
the present realities in Azerbaijan and the threatening posture
of the Aliyev regime, the Federation concluded that Azerbaijan has
violated the fundamental principles of international negotiations
by seriously committing itself to the military option while giving
lip service to the OSCE process. The Federation strongly urges
the Co-Chairs to refocus their efforts, first and foremost, on the
grave security threats resulting from Azerbaijan’s current national
priorities. Azerbaijan cannot be allowed to negotiate from a position
of open belligerence while the Armenian side negotiates in good faith.

Indeed, Azerbaijan has multiplied its budget for armaments from $175
million in 2004 to $2.5 billion in 2009. President Aliyev’s intensified
warmongering declarations are thus substantiated, pointing towards
a real possibility of an Azeri resumption of hostilities.

The Federation denounces recent statements made by President Aliyev
in London, which highlight his refusal of any concession on the
Karabakh issue, and his persistence to speak about mere "autonomy"
for Karabakh under Azeri sovereignty, a position which, in effect,
puts an end to the OSCE negotiations process as it has existed so far.

The European Armenian Federation calls on the Co-Chairs to take
Azerbaijan’s military ambitions in the region seriously and, therefore,
demand solid non-aggression guaranties from the Azeri state prior to
any further discussions relating to the Minsk Group agenda. In the
present circumstances, a non-aggression pact obligating Azerbaijan
to peace is the only meaningful objective for OSCE before any further
moves could be considered.

"Armenia and the Nagorno Karabakh Republic have a right to secure
themselves against the continuing threats from Azerbaijan. Furthermore,
the future negotiating process must not exclude the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic, as a full-fledged party to the negotiations. The Azerbaijani
security threats are first directed at the people of Nagorno Karabakh,
which must have its independent say in the process," stated Hilda
Tchoboian, President of the European Armenian Federation.

ARMENIAN ELECTED TO IRAQI KURDISTAN PARLIAMENT

Asbarez Staff
d-to-iraqi-kurdistan-parliament/
Jul 31st, 2009

ARBIL, Kurdistan -An Armenian living in Iraqi Kurdistan has been
elected to regional government’s parliament.

Aram Shahin Bakoyan, a member of Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)
led by Masoud Barzani, was elected to serve in the 111-seat parliament
during last Saturday’s presidential and parliamentary polls, held in
the three northern Kurdish provinces of Iraq.

"Aram Shahin is a native of Artsruk. He used to fight in Barzani’s
guerrilla units," the Chairman of the central national administration
of Iraq, Paruyr Hakopian, was quoted by Kurdistan.ru as saying.

TURKISH MINISTER REAFFIRMS DETERMINATION TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA

Anadolu Agency
July 29 2009
Turkey

Ankara, 29 July: Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said [on]
Wednesday [29 July] that Turkish government was still resolute to
normalize relations with neighbouring Armenia.

"But at the same time, it is important for us to see the same
determination from the international community and especially from
Armenia on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Davutoglu
told a press conference after his meeting with Bosnian Foreign Minister
Sven Alkalaj.

Turkey and Armenia have no diplomatic or economic relations since
Armenia declared its independence in 1991 and Turkey closed its border
with Armenia after this country invaded the Upper Karabakh region of
Azerbaijan in 1992.

On 24 July 2008, the then Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan
expressed Turkey’s willingness to normalize relations with Yerevan.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul travelled to Armenia in September
2008 to watch 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between the two
countries upon an invitation by President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia.

Turkey and Armenia are to play another qualifier in Istanbul in
September 2009 but Sarksyan said [on] Tuesday he would only accept
an invitation to the return match if Turkey takes "real steps" to
open their border.

Davutoglu said Turkish government was hopeful over the normalization
process with Armenia.

"We believe that the most extensive normalization would be seen in
our region in the coming period," Davutoglu said.

THE ARMENIAN-CHINESE RUBBER FACTORY BEING CONSTRUCTED IN CHINA EXPECTED TO BE EXPLOITED AT THE END OF THIS YEAR

ARMENPRESS
July 30, 2009

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian-Chinese rubber factory
being constructed in China on nearly 100 hectares of territory is
intended to be exploited at the end of this year.

Vice Director of "Nairit-2" factory Albert Sukiasian told Armenpress
that the crisis made no changes in the projects. There will also be
no issues in realization of the factory product.

At present local testing and checking is being held in the factory,
technical and other issues are revealed. The checking is followed
by already finished construction works. After the entire testing the
factory will be exploited.

According to A. Sukiasian, the total cost of the construction of the
Armenian-Chinese factory reaches more than $140 million. Armenia
is 40% shareholder of the factory, China – 60%. The main Armenian
investment in this project is the mental property in respect of the
new technologies of the rubber production which ensure high production
security and few wastes.

A. Sukiasian stressed the importance of the implementation of rich
Chinese experience during the production. The Armenian technologies
of rubber production have been inputted and implemented in Armenia
yet in 1993-1994.

The factory is expected to produce nearly 30,000 tons of rubber
annually. A. Sukiasian said that there are also prospects of increase
of the output volumes depending upon the demand. The product of
the factory must entirely be consumed in China, where there is a
limitless market.

TURKEY STILL RESOLUTE TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA

armradio.am
30.07.2009 11:42

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Wednesday that Turkish
government was still resolute to normalize relations with neighboring
Armenia, Turkish media report.

"But at the same time, it is important for us to see the same
determination from the international community and especially from
Armenia on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Davutoglu
told a press conference after his meeting with Bosnian Foreign Minister
Sven Alkalaj.

Davutoglu said Turkish government was hopeful over the normalization
process with Armenia.

"We believe that the most extensive normalization would be seen in
our region in the coming period," Davutoglu said.

SERZH SARGSYAN: "TODAY’S GEOPOLITICAL SITUATION OBLIGES TO GIVE NEW QUALITY TO RELATIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND SERBIA"

Noyan Tapan
July 29, 2009

YEREVAN, JULY 29, NOYAN TAPAN. President of the Republic of Serbia
Boris Tadic arrived on two-day official visit in Yerevan on July 28,
by President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan’s invitation. The official
ceremony of greeting the high-ranking guest took place at the RA
President’s residence. It was followed by S. Sargsyan’s and B. Tadic’s
private conversation.

According to the information of the RA President’s Press Office,
the official delegations’ meeting in enlarged staff took place then,
with the Presidents’ participation.

S. Sargsyan mentioned that today’s geopolitical situation not only
provides possibility but also obliges to give new quality to the two
countries’ relations. He stated that Armenia is willing to make friends
with Serbia and makes efforts on that way. S. Sargsyan proposed to
activate the spiritual-cultural ties, mentioning that it will pave
a good way to reveal possibilities of cooperation in different spheres.

B. Tadic welcame S. Sargsyan ‘s proposal, saying that corresponding
departments will be given instructions to start activities in that
direction, and the first results will be already obvious during the
visit to be paid by the President of Armenia to Serbia.

The parties also speak about the ways of cooperation in the sphere of
transport communication, economy, mentioning that the economic element
will greatly stimulate development of the Armenian-Serbian ties.

B. Tadic said that Serbia intends to open in future an Embassy in
Armenia for the Ambassador officiating at Athens residence assists
development of the Armenian-Serbian relations.

S. Sargsyan and B. Tadic also exchanged opinions about the problems
existing in the regions of Caucasus and Balkan and ways of their
solution, bilaterally expressing opinion that they can and must be
solved only through negotiations and peaceful processes.

EX-CONSUL, 4 OTHERS HELD IN LETTERS CASE

United Press International
4-others-held-in-letters-case/UPI-10011248819359/
July 28 2009

LOS ANGELES, July 28 (UPI) — A former Armenian consul in Los Angeles
and a Beverly Hills immigration attorney are among five people charged
with immigration offenses, U.S. officials said.

The five were arrested Monday night and Tuesday morning on federal
charges that they allegedly obtained and sold to illegal aliens
documents called "letters of refusal," which allowed the aliens to
avoid deportation, the U.S. Justice Department said.

A "letter of refusal" is issued by an embassy or a consulate and says
a country will not issue a travel document for an individual. The
department said that effectively blocks the individual’s deportation
to that nation.

Documents said the five allegedly sold official letters of refusal
from the Armenian consulate for as much as $35,000. The department
said an investigation said many of those who purchased the letters
were Armenian nationals facing deportation after being convicted in
the United States of felony offenses.

The five arrested are Norair Ghalumian, 52, of Burbank, Calif.,
the Armenian consul in Los Angeles from 1999 through 2003; Hakop
Hovanesyan, 54, of Glendale, Calif., a former employee at the Armenian
consulate in Los Angeles and operator of Regency Travel in Glendale;
Margarita Lazarian, 41, of Glendale, an immigration attorney for
Inman and Associates law firm in Beverly Hills; Oganes Nardos, 36,
of Valencia, Calif., a substance abuse counselor; and Elvis Madatyan,
47, of Glendale.

The charge of obstructing immigration proceedings carries a maximum
penalty of five years in prison if convicted.

ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTER RECEIVES ITALIAN AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
July 28, 2009

YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Defense Minister Seyran
Ohanyan received today the newly appointed Italian Ambassador to
Armenia Bruno Skapini.

Spokesman for the Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Shahsuvaryan
told Armenpress that S. Ohanyan congratulated the diplomat on the
appointment and expressed hope that Armenian-Italian cooperation will
be strengthened even more during the implementation of his mission.

Underscoring the interest of Armenia in extending the cooperation
with Italy as one of the key members of the European Union
and NATO, the Armenian Defense Minister noted that our country
encourages the undertakings on stimulating cooperation with EU,
particularly, the projects on the European neighborhood and Eastern
Partnership. Referring to the Armenian-Italian cooperation in defense
sphere, S. Ohanyan expressed hope that it will continue to develop in
the spheres of military education, peacekeeping, military medicine,
etc.

Former Armenian consul among those charged with helping illegal immigrants avoid deportation

L.A. Now (a Los Angeles Times blog)
July 28, 2009

Five people, including a former Armenian consul in Los Angeles and a
Beverly Hills immigration attorney, have been arrested on charges that
they sold official letters to illegal immigrants to help them avoid
deportation, prosecutors said today.

The arrests, which took place in the last 24 hours, were the result of
a two-year investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement agency.

The five are accused of supplying so-called letters of refusal from
the Armenian Consulate for as much as $35,000 apiece, according to a
statement from the U.S. attorney’s office for the Central District of
California.

These letters state that a country will not issue a travel document
for a particular individual, essentially blocking that person’s
deportation to that nation.

Investigators believe many of those who purchased the letters were
Armenian nationals facing deportation after being convicted of felony
offenses in the United States.

`These defendants endangered the safety and security of United States
residents,’ U.S Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien said in the statement..

`The defendants allegedly exploited their community ties and knowledge
of the immigration system to help dangerous criminals, among others,
avoid deportation,’ said Robert Schoch, special agent in charge of the
ICE Office of Investigations in Los Angeles.

The five defendants were identified as:

Norair Ghalumian, 52, of Burbank, the Armenian consul in Los Angeles
from 1999 through 2003.

Hakop Hovanesyan, 54, of Glendale, a former employee at the Armenian
Consulate in Los Angeles and current operator of Regency Travel in
Glendale.

Margarita Lazarian, 41, of Glendale, an immigration attorney for
Inman & Associates law firm in Beverly Hills, Calif., who was arrested
last night.

Oganes Nardos, 36, of Valencia, a substance abuse counselor.

Elvis Madatyan, 47, of Glendale.

They are expected to ma United States District Court in downtown Los
Angeles.

— Alexandra Zavis

/07/suspects-charged-with-helping-illegal-immigran ts-avoid-deportation.html