Author: Kanayan Tamar

ARMENIA U-16 START 1ST TOURNAMENT DAY AT WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 24, 2011 – 14:54 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – On October 24, Armenia will start its first
tournament day at World Youth U-16 Chess Olympiad.

Armenia’s line-up at the Olympiad is as follows: Karen Grigoryan,
Hovhannes Gabuzyan, Tigran Harutyunyan, Arman Mikaelyan and Zohrak
Apresyan, coached by Arsen Yeghiazaryan.

Armenia won the World Youth U-16 Chess Olympiad in 1998 and 2000.

World Youth U-16 Chess Olympiad in Izmit, Turkey, will be hosting
Russian, Indian, Iranian, Kazakh, Czech Republic, Swiss, Malaysian,
Georgian, Slovakian, Moldavian, Syrian, British, Scottish, Azerbaijani,
Kenyan, Kirghiz, Tunisian, Turkish, South African and EUA teams.

TAXES ON TRANSFERS?

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 17:04:20 – 24/10/2011

In Armenia, everyone speaks with fear about the upcoming tax package
to be proposed by the government. Many experts argue that the promised
tax increase would affect primarily the small businesses and ordinary
citizens. In this case, the government says it intends to increase
revenues by raising taxes and reducing shadows.

In particular, the Minister of Finance of Armenia Vache Gabrielyan
said that the excise rates will be reviewed and corrected. Besides,
the bill on the amendments to the tax regime on mining and raw
materials industry has already been introduced before the parliament.

No one comments on the new tax reforms because they have not been
introduced before the parliament yet. This is strange because the
tax package will have to be adopted along with the budget and it is
necessary to discuss it thoroughly. But, apparently, the government
decided to choose the favorite method of “fait accompli” when at
the very last moment the law draft is sent to the parliament and
adopted quickly.

In the meantime, this package can have a meaning of life-importance
for the citizens. According to international assessments, about one
third of Armenia’s population is considered poor. A little “richer”
are the owners of the small business, whose income is hardly enough for
food under the current inflation rates. These people hardly make both
ends meet and additional tax burden could become unbearable for many.

Anyway, it is still not known whether the law draft will be adopted by
the parliament considering the fact that the owners of the “excise”
and “mining and raw materials industry” are the same members of
parliament. A couple of months remain for them to complete their
office and they are unlikely to harm themselves, most probably, they
will try to find other solutions. Say, they could cover with more
taxes those who receive bank transfers. In the end, even the Prime
Minister admits that the situation in Armenia will mostly depend on
the economy of Russia and the transfers from this country.

Since the Armenian government takes a part of any money coming
into the pockets of the Armenian citizens, transfers cannot be an
exception. While arriving, they are already cut twice “thanks” to
the “floating” exchange rate of the Armenian dram, as well as the
“sticky hands” of the banks, but the citizens reach something.

Last year the “operation” on nationwide fundraising in the form of
CTP (Compulsory Third Party Insurance), when almost every family had
to fork out was held. Now they will invent a new way to “invisibly”
rob people.

It will be possible to judge from how the government will carry
out tax reform and whether it will be able to tax super profits the
seriousness of their intentions. However, tax reforms are demanded
European structures as a condition of entry into the European Free
Trade Area. However, Armenia has signed the Accession Treaty in the
area of CIS free â~@~Kâ~@~Ktrade zone, but it does not require any
tax reform.

Quite the contrary.

SARGSYAN, MEDVEDEV OFFER CONDOLENCES AND SUPPORT TO PRESIDENT GUL OF TURKEY

armradio.am
24.10.2011 16:27

Within the framework of the state visit to Russia, President Serzh
Sargsyan visited the Moscow State University after Lomonosov, where
made a speech and answered the questions of the students and faculty.

According to the decision of the Scientific Council of the Moscow
State University, Serzh Sargsyan was awarded the title of the Honorary
Professor.

Afterwards the President laid a wreath at the Memorial to the Unknown
Soldier.

The Presidents of Armenia and Russia had a meeting at the Kremlin,
followed by a joint press conference.

Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Dmitry Medvedev called Turkey’s President
Abdullah Gul. The leaders of the two countries expressed their sincere
condolences and support to the Turkish President connected with the
earthquake that hit the country Sunday.

Serzh Sargsyan reconfirmed Armenia’s willingness to provide necessary
aid to Turkey. President Gul thanked Serzh Sargsyan for his solidarity.

SARKOZY TELLS CAMERON TO “SHUT UP” OVER EURO

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 24, 2011 – 13:48 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Tensions between Paris and London flared up on
Sunday, October 23 amid crisis talks on the eurozone, as President
Nicolas Sarkozy of France hit out at British criticisms of the single
currency.

“You have lost a good opportunity to shut up,” the Guardian, a UK
paper, reports the French leader as telling UK Prime Minister David
Cameron. “We are sick of you criticizing us and telling us what to do.

You say you hate the euro and now you want to interfere in our
meetings.”

The row centered on concerns by the UK leader that decisions taken
solely by the eurozone members would have impact on the single market
shared by all 27 euro and non-euro using members of the European Union.

The reported bust-up caused an hour-and-a-half delay to a joint
press conference between Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel
mid-afternoon.

In the end, the EU leaders reached a compromise that all 27 will
first discuss the comprehensive eurozone crisis response package at
a subsequent summit in Brussels on Wednesday, but that the eurozone
chiefs themselves will have the last word on the matters at their
own separate meeting immediately afterward, EUobserver reported.

POTATO PRICE IN ARMENIA EXPECTED TO DOUBLE IN SPRING 2012

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 24, 2011 – 11:52 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Chairman of the Agrarian-Peasant Union of Armenia
Hrachya Berberyan said that potato price at the local market is
expected to double in spring 2012 to reach AMD 350-400 per kilo.

This will be conditioned by the summer drought that resulted in loss
of 40% of the crops, according to him.

As to apricots, this year’s harvest totaled around 30-35 tons, what
is 50% more than in 2010. An increase was registered in apple and
peach production while the grapes yield was 20-30% more than last year.

GYUMRI MARKS THE DAY OF THE TOWN

ARMENPRESS
October 24, 2011
GYUMRI

The day of town was again marked in the Armenian town of Gyumri on
Saturday, October 22. It is being marked from 2003 and every year
on that day, besides festive events, traditionally new cultural,
public buildings are being opened.

The delegation headed by the NA chairman Hovik Abrahamyan and
vice-prime minister Armen Gevorgyan visited the town where they
were met just at the entrance to Gyumri. NA parliamentarians, urban
development minister Vardan Vardanyan, cultural figures were among
the guests.

“I want the people of Gyumri enjoy this day. There is not a one
resident of Gyumri who would not be proud of his/her town, and the
town is proud of its people,” mayor of Gyumri Vardan Ghukasyan said
speaking to reporters.

Armen Gevorgyan congratulated the residents of Gyumri on the holiday
and noted that Gyumri is changing and this change is obvious. These
changes were promoted by the sums the government has provided to the
provinces for the solution of urgent issues.

The first stop was the construction area of “Mush 2” where the latter
got acquainted with the second phase of construction implemented by
Glendale Hills company. At the meeting with reporters Vardan Vardanyan
rejected the news that the construction has been frozen.

At the construction site Hovik Abrahamyan noted that Gyumri is under
the focus of the country’s president and everything is being done so
that the flaws be eliminated, the issue of homeless people be solved.

“We must build our hometown. After the solution of the issue of
homelessness we must think of jobs. The government must think over
steps to ensure flow of investments to Gyumri, and people must have
jobs. I find that special attention and attitude must be displayed
toward Gyumri,” Hovik Abrahamyan said.

The next stop was “Shirak” pantheon of freedom fighters where on the
initiative of the mayor from April this year the tombs of the freedom
fighters are being renovated.

The guests also participated in the event organized in “October” cinema
where a number of cultural figures were granted title of “Master”.

The celebrations continued in the central square and lasted till late
in the evening.

MEDVEDEV GETS ARMENIA LEADER AND TURKEY TO TALK

NOW LEBANON

Oct 24 2011

Russian President Dmitry Medvedvev on Monday orchestrated rare phone
talks between the estranged leaders of Armenia and Turkey after the
deadly weekend earthquake near the two countries’ border.

The Kremlin said Medvedev had visiting Armenian President Serzh
Sarkisian join a telephone call he had placed to his Turkish
counterpart Abdullah Gul to pay condolences to the hundreds of victims
of Sunday’s temblor.

The Russian statement said Sarkisian “joined the conversation,
relaying his sincere sympathies and support to the Turkish president.”

“Abdullah Gul expressed gratitude for Serzh Sarkisian’s solidarity,”
the Kremlin statement added.

Relations between the two neighbors have suffered for years over
Turkey’s refusal to recognize the World War I-era killing of Armenians
as genocide.

Armenians say that up to 1.5 million of their kin fell victim to the
Ottoman Empire forces.

Turkey counters that 300,000 to 500,000 Armenians and at least as
many Turks died in civil strife when Armenians rose up against their
Ottoman rulers and sided with invading Russian forces.

The two countries currently lack a direct land link and Armenia
recently halted the ratification process of a 2009 accord opening
the two sides’ border.

PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN ARRIVED TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ON A STATE VISIT

24.10.2011

President Serzh Sargsyan, who is conducting a state visit to the
Russian Federation, visited today the M. Lovonosov Moscow State
University, where he met with the students and faculty of the
University.

President Sargsyan delivered a speech and answered the questions
raised by the attendees.

By the decision of the Scientific Council of the Moscow State
University, President Serzh Sargsyan was awarded the title of the
Honorary Professor of the University. During the event, the Rector
of the MSU Victor Sadovnichii handed to Serzh Sargsyan the diploma
of a Honorary Professor and the medal.

After the event, the President of Armenia visited the Memorial of the
Unknown Soldier and paid tribute by laying a wreath at the monument.

Later, the Presidents of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian
Federation had a private meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace, which
was followed by the extended negotiations with the participation of
the official delegations.

During the break, Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Dmitry Medvedev had
a phone conversation with the President of Turkey Abdullah Gul. The
two Presidents conveyed sincere condolences and words support to the
President of Turkey on the occasion of a devastating earthquake which
took place on the territory of Turkey. Serzh Sargsyan reiterated
readiness to provide necessary assistance. President Gul expressed
gratitude to President Sargsyan for the manifested solidarity.

RENEWED WAR ISN’T SOLUTION TO KARABAKH ISSUE, ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SAYS

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 24, 2011 – 21:32 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenia is confident that a renewed war is not a
solution to Karabakh issue; the conflict leads to instability and
tension, increasing differences, stirring up national and religious
issues, posing danger to safety of other states, Armenian President
stated.

As Serzh Sargsyan noted in his October 24 statement at Lomonosov
Moscow State University, over 20 years ago, people of Nagorno
Karabakh fulfilled their right for freedom and independence, which
they protected in unequal war, started by Azerbaijan.

“Over the last years, OSCE Minks Group took great efforts to achieve
a peaceful settlement of conflict. I’d like to express gratitude to
Dmitry Medvedev who for many years worked towards progress in Karabakh
settlement,” Armenian leader said.

“Armenia’s position in supporting rapid and peaceful settlement of
Karabakh conflict remains unchanged,” the President concluded.

‘IN AMERICA, WE ARE AMERICANS, BUT WE HAVE HYPHENATED EXPERIENCE’: HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TELLS REPORTER

epress.am
10.24.2011

I truly love my job. It has provided me with numerous experiences
that would have been laughably improbable, were it not for my position.

This week marked another one of those occasions: I had a personal
audience with a spiritual leader of the Armenian church, His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I (pictured), Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia
of the Armenian Apostolic Church, writes Dan Evans in the Glendale
News-Press.

The pontiff, who resides in Lebanon, arrived in the United States on
Oct. 6 and is staying through early next week. Though not an elderly
man – he’s in his mid 60s – Aram I’s energy belies his white hair
and beard. I met with him on Wednesday in La Crescenta, a few days
before the end of his trip. I half-expected him to be exhausted,
or at least tired. Nope.

“I’m used to this sort of thing,” he said in the Western Prelacy
building on Honolulu Avenue, noting this is his fourth pontifical
visit. “But the traffic is terrible, just terrible. Makes you nervous.”

Aram I said his goal during his visit was to both talk and listen.

That is, to talk about his vision of the church, but also to learn
and better understand the concerns of his community.

“In America, we are Americans, but we have a hyphenated experience,”
he said. “On one hand, we want to preserve our identity, but also to
open ourselves to the communities in which we live.”

Bigotry is a reality in our community. It seems to me that education,
within our schools and within individual families, is our most
important weapon against intolerance and hatred. If we know and better
understand each other, we’re no longer the other.

Though I did not ask Aram I about this directly, I feel he would
agree. He pointed to the importance of young people and technology
in the uprisings around the Arab world, saying that the church needs
to pay particular attention to its youth.

One thing I know we agree upon is the importance of the US officially
recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

“When I was a student in the US, Jimmy Carter was campaigning
for president,” he said. “One of the things he said was this: The
identity of the United States of America lies in its commitment to
human rights.”

Recognition of the genocide is a matter of justice, said Aram I,
and justice itself is given by God.

“Any stamp against justice is a sin against God,” he said, taking a
sip of tea from a blue cup with a blue-patterned saucer. “Our firm
expectation is that the United States [will] articulate its stand
against the Armenian Genocide.”

In my research for our meeting, I hit upon what I thought was an
unusual fact: The Armenian Apostolic Church has two pontiffs, or
Catholicoi. One is Aram I, who leads the Catholicostate of the Great
House of Cilicia. The other is His Holiness Karekin II, whose full
title is Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Aram I acknowledged the dual leadership is a bit strange, but one
rooted in the history of Armenia, and partially due to the diaspora
following the 1915 genocide.

“We are called to serve our people,” he said. “Therefore collaboration
between the two Catholicoi is important, especially after the
independence of Armenia.”

Then, as quickly as it began, our time was up. Aram I needed to get
to his next appointment. I needed to put out a paper and write this
column. The time was well spent, and perhaps his visit will serve to
remind us of how interconnected we all are.