PURCHASE AND SALE TRANSACTIONS OF 10.39 MILLION DOLLARS CARRIED OUT AT NASDAQ OEMEX ARMENIA OJSC ON NOVEMBER 13
Noyan Tapan
Nov 13, 2009
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 13, NOYAN TAPAN. Purchase and sale transactions of
10 million 390 thousand dollars at the weighted average exchange rate
of 387.7 drams per dollar were carried out at Nasdaq Oemex Armenia
OJSC on November 13. According to the press service of the Central
Bank of Armenia, the closing price was 387.55 drams.
LA CUCINA D’ARMENIA BOOK IN ITALIAN PUBLISHED IN MILAN
Noyan Tapan
Nov 12, 2009
MILAN, NOVEMBER 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The launching of
Sonya Orfalian’s book LA CUCINA D’ARMENIA (Armenian kitchen) took
place in the Italian city of Milan in October. The book was published
by Ponte delle Grazie Editor. An interview with the author took place
after the launching ceremony. S. Orfalian spoke not only about the
Armenian cuisine but also about Armenian life and politics.
ARMEN PETROSYAN: UNLIKE CAUCASIAN EPICS, HEROES IN ARMENIAN EPICS ARE REAL PEOPLE
PanARMENIAN.Net
12.11.2009 14:44 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The third international conference on "Armenian
National Epic and World Epic Heritage " has brought together scholars
from Armenia, Abkhazia, United States and Germany. Discussion is
devoted to various aspects of Armenian epic.
Participants will introduce reports on the following themes: "Results
and prospects of studying Armenian epic" (Samvel Harutyunyan),
"Comparison of Armenian and Caucasian epics" (Armen Petrosyan),
"Records of XVI century Portuguese travelers on the narrative retelling
of ‘Daredevils of Sasun’ " (Peter Kaui), "Combat between David and
Mher in the context of Indo-European heroic poetry" (Karl Richell),
"Abkhazia’s Abskir and Armenia’s Mher" (Zurab Japua) etc.
"19th century Russian and French scholars dwelled on the common
features of Armenian and Caucasian epic. They also stressed that
cultural development came from the East. Evidently, common features
are reflected through images and bear a structural and schematic
character. Both Armenian and Caucasian epics have twin heroes –
the founders of the country or capital towns, as well as key and
resurrected heroes," Armenian Petrosyan said, summing up his speech.
He also stressed that unlike Caucasian epics, Armenian epics have
historical heroes representing Artashesyan royal house.
In his report on the "History of Written Epic", Director of RA NAS
Institute of Literature Azat Yeghuzaryan said, "It should be noted that
epics live longer than the peoples who created them. A fair example is
"Gilgamesh" which to day is a source of study for literary critics and
historians and contributes to the development of those disciplines."
"Armenian epic David of Sasun survived to the present day thanks
to Garegin Srvandztyan who compiled records into a book in 1865,"
Azat Yeghiazaryan stressed.
To prolong the life of epics and achieve their international
recognition it is necessary to record the pieces of folk art, he added.
Conference objective is to analyze recent studies in epic literature
and compare Armenian epic with those of other nations, pointing out
similarities and differences.
Conference organizer is RA NAS Institute of Archaeology and
Scientific-Research Centre of Armenian-Russian (Slavonic) University.
This is the third conference on Armenian epic, which will last till
November 14. Previous conferences devoted to the theme were organized
in 2004 and 2006.
VIVACELL-MTS LAUNCHES NEW SERVICES FOR SUBSCRIBERS
PanARMENIAN.Net
12.11.2009 16:30 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Starting today, all VivaCell-MTS subscribers can
watch 12 local TV Channels by connecting to 3G network. Within the
upcoming month, the service will be free of charge. We plan to broaden
the network of transmitted channels since Mobile TV is an innovation
for Armenian market," VivaCell-MTS General Director Ralp Yirikyan said.
At that he noted that company launched 3G on April 17 for providing
broader access to mobile Internet. Since October 29. the network
has been accessible in 47 towns and big regional centers of Armenia,
Yirikyan said.
"The second service is "Home-Zone" or "Internet and More" which
enables subscribers to connect to unlimited wireless Internet,
creating an internal network, as well as provides access to stationary
telephone. To use the service subscribers need special routers
available in all VivaCell-MTS. Annual subscription fee makes up AMD
90 thousand.
To connect to Home-Zone subscribers are required to insert their SIM
car into the router and switch it on. This makes mobile communication
accessible within a radius of 80 to 100 metres," said Yirikyan.
Per minute conversation price comprises AMD 5 within Home-zone network,
AMD 35 – within VivaCell network and AMD 35 – for outgoing calls to
other mobile operators.
The third service – enabling subscribers to get MTS connect modem for
free and envisaging reduced prices on Internet – will be available
in company’s offices in case of signing 1-year contract or paying
AMD 20 thousand.
"In case of annual subscription to unlimited Internet, price for 7.2
Mbit/sec Internet will comprise AMD 8800. Company will also reduce
tariffs for prepaid subscribers, providing them with 1 Gb. package
at AMD 7900, 5 Gb. package – at AMD 9900 and 15 Gb. package – at
AMD 19900."
Armenia’s leading mobile operator VivaCell-MTS provides a wide range
of services of voice mail and date transfer. It operates on the entire
territory of Armenia and possesses GSM 900/1800 licensevalid until the
end of 2019. Russian Telesystems (MTS) is 80% shareholder of VivaCell.
The remaining 20% of shares are owned by Fattouch Group.
BULGARIAN PARLIAMENT SPEAKER INVITES HOVIK ABRAHAMYAN TO SOFIA
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
12.11.2009 18:26 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ National Assembly Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan
received November 12 Mr. Todor Staykov, Bulgarian Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Armenia. During the meeting, Bulgarian
diplomat conveyed to Mr. Abrahamyan Bulgarian National Assembly Speaker
Tsetska Tsacheva’s letter inviting Armenian official to Bulgaria.
Mr. Abrahamyan received invitation with gratitude. Parties agreed to
have the dates of upcoming visit specified through diplomatic channels.
Armenian and Bulgarian officials also discussed issues concerning
global crisis impact on their countries, as well as normalization
of Armenian-Turkish ties without preconditions, RA NA press service
reports.
INITIATION OF XENOPHOBIA PREVENTION DIGITIZING ARCHIVES OF "SUMGAIT CASE"
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
12.11.2009 20:31 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The "Initiation of prevention of xenophobia" in
Yerevan carries out activities for spreading objective information
concerning the existing interethnic conflicts in the region. The
organization with support of "Information and PR Center" (IPRC)
of Armenian President’s Administration, prevents circulation of
materials having xenophobic nature in the world wide web.
"Initiation of prevention of xenophobia" continues digitization of
"Sumgait case" archives with support of IPRC and Prosecutor General’s
Office. At present more than 200 evidences of massacres implemented
of 1988 in Azerbaijani Sumgait city against the Armenians have already
been digitized.
"Initiation of prevention of xenophobia" has implemented a number of
measures and more than 2000 xenophobic, anti-Armenian, anti-Semitic,
anti-Kurdish, anti-Greek, and anti-Georgian videos in youtube, rutube,
facebook and mail.ru have already been blocked.
"Initiation of prevention of xenophobia" has initiated digitization
and distribution of literature concerning the interethnic conflicts
and ethnic intolerance through internet libraries. The initiation
projects to create a private net library.
ARMENIAN-GERMAN RELATIONS ON FIRM GROUNDS
PanARMENIAN.Net
11.11.2009 20:30 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On November 11, NA Speaker Hovik Abrahmayn received
Hans-Jochen Schmidt, newly-appointed FRG Ambassador to Armenia.
Congratulating diplomat on his new appointment, Armenian parliament
speaker expressed hope that he would invest his best efforts
in development of Armenian-German ties. Abrahamyan stressed that
relations between two states are on firm grounds and highly appreciated
trade-economic, political and cultural ties, as well as implementation
of GTZ-funded programs in Armenia.
Parties agreed to develop interparliamentary cooperation. Mr.
Abrahamyan expressed Armenia’s willingness receive German parliament
speaker in Armenia.
Meeting also focused on current stage of Armenian-Turkish relations
and two parliaments’ role in the process, RA NA press service reports.
SCR SECURED 1900 JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN ARMENIA
PanARMENIAN.Net
12.11.2009 13:17 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ With the assistance of South Caucasian Railways
CJSC , 26 companies have been formed in Armenia to satisfy the needs
of railway industry of Armenia.
"Thanks to correct investment and manpower policy, the company expanded
its personnel," SCR Director General Shevket Shaydullin said.
"Presently, we are working to create extra job opportunities to fix
our status as a national company."
TEN COUNTRIES TO BUILD KALASHNIKOV ASSAULT RIFLE PRODUCING PLANTS
RIA Novosti
Nov 10, 2009
MOSCOW, November 10 (RIA Novosti) – Ten countries have applied for
licenses to construct plants to produce Kalashnikov assault rifles,
a deputy CEO of Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said
Tuesday.
Rosoboronexport is currently fulfilling a 2005 contract to build a
Kalashnikov plant in Venezuela.
"In the past few years, ten foreign states have applied to Russia
for the creation of facilities on their territories to build licensed
Kalashnikov AK-100 series assault rifles," Igor Sevastyanov said.
Sevastyanov did not specify which countries had applied, noting
only that they included Latin American and Middle East states. He
said some clients want plants built from scratch and others want
production upgraded.
Mikhail Kalashnikov, the Russian inventor of the AK-47 assault rifle,
turned 90 on Tuesday.
Then-Soviet soldier Kalashnikov was inspired to design the weapon
after being wounded in 1941 during WWII. While his first attempts were
deemed unsuccessful, he was given a position in weapons development,
and by 1947 he had perfected his masterpiece.
Rosoboronexport chief Anatoly Isaikin earlier noted the huge number
of unlicensed Kalashnikov rifles produced all over the world.
"There are about 100 million Kalashnikov assault rifles worldwide,
of which half are counterfeit, i.e. produced without licenses,
patents or intergovernmental agreements," he said.
AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, November 9, 2009
AGBU Manoogian School Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary and Unveils Its
New High School Building
By Dickran Toumajan
On October 10, 2009, the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School in
Southfield, Michigan reached yet another milestone, celebrating its
fortieth anniversary with a dinner/dance to the delight of nearly 500
graduates, community leaders and supporters of the school, former and
current school board members, principals, faculty, staff, and students.
The school has remained true to its mission — to offer a quality
education in a safe, secure, and family-oriented environment and to
preserve and promote the Armenian heritage through the teaching of
language, literature, history, culture, music, and dance. In the
mid-1990s, under the guidance of former longtime principal, Dr. Nadya
Sarafian, the school experienced a smooth transition from a private to a
charter institution.
Dr. Hosep Torossian, the current principal of the Manoogian High School,
and several key members of the past and present school board had a
vision of seeing the school expanded into a modern two-story facility,
equipped with state-of-the-art science laboratories, spacious
classrooms, and an auditorium. Their goal was realized thanks to the
generosity and largesse of Mr. Richard Manoogian and Mrs. Louise
Manoogian Simone, who had the foresight to maintain the tradition and
continue the legacy established by their unparalleled parents, Alex and
Marie Manoogian. The school has grown from ten students and two teachers
(both Mrs. Keghanoush Keledjian and Mrs. Yvonne Korkoian were in
attendance) in 1969 to a student body of over 400 and a faculty and
staff of 55. The school has been the beneficiary of two Golden Apple
Awards for academic excellence, an honor bestowed by the State of
Michigan. A high percentage of Manoogian graduates continue their
education in institutions of higher learning and several have
distinguished themselves and their alma mater as doctors, lawyers,
teachers, and business- men and women.
The festivities began with welcoming remarks by the Master of
Ceremonies, Mr. Richard Dickran Kurjian, a 1979 graduate of the school
and now Treasurer of the School Board of Directors. He and his wife Mona
(also a graduate and classmate) have given two fine sons to the school.
His parents were among those who emigrated from Istanbul along with many
other Armenians in the 1960s, believed in the importance of an Armenian
school in the Metropolitan Detroit area, and became members of the
Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul (constant supporters of the
Manoogian School)
Dr. Richard Marburger, the dynamic and energetic president of the
Manoogian School Board and president emeritus of Lawrence Technological
University in Southfield, brought greetings and salutations from his
hard-working colleagues on the board. He is married to an Armenian,
considers himself an adopted Armenian, and has dedicated much of his
time to the Detroit Armenian community. He mentioned how proud he was
about the opportunity for select upperclassmen on the Administrator’s
List to take an engineering course at Lawrence Tech.
The next speaker was Dr. Torossian who lauded the Manoogian family for
their commitment to education, academic excellence, and the perpetuation
of the Armenian heritage. He pointed out the respect that the school
commands in the community and the high esteem it enjoys as one of the
most successful charter schools in Michigan. He went on to announce with
pride that the class of 2010 has already garnered nearly $400,000 in
scholarships to study in colleges and universities in Michigan and
beyond.
The Honorable Brenda L. Lawrence, Mayor of the City of Southfield, spoke
eloquently about her fondness for the Armenian community, which has a
substantial residential population and has been active in the
development and growth of the economy in the area. She commented on the
richness of Armenian culture, which she has witnessed on many occasions
at St. John Armenian Church and at the Manoogian School.
Mr. Artoun Hamalian, Director of Education for the A.G.B.U,
headquartered in New York City, visited the school earlier in the week
and met with members of the Armenian faculty. Mr. Hamalian read a letter
of praise and gratitude from Mr. Berge Setrakian, President of the
A.G.B.U. Central Board of Directors, and added his own favorable
impressions of the school.
Mr. James Goenner, Executive Director of the Center for Charter Schools
at Central Michigan University, talked about the success of the
Manoogian School and how it has served as a model for other schools in
the state. He presented a crystal plaque as a commemorative gift to the
school.
Miss Dyana Kezelian, principal of the Manoogian Pre-K, Elementary, and
Middle School, was the next speaker. As a longtime 2nd grade teacher,
later head teacher, and now principal, Dyana has been the living
embodiment of the school for the past thirty-five years. She has seen
two generations of students grow, mature, and graduate. She remarked how
heartwarming it was to see children of graduates now attending the
school. She particularly praised the visionary leadership of the
school’s founders, Alex and Marie Manoogian, and the trust and
confidence shown by their children, Richard and Louise, who four years
ago sponsored an almost complete renovation and face-lifting of the
existing school with the addition of a pre-K wing and a new library and
who have now endowed the school with a brand-new high school building.
Mr. Edmond Azadian, Vice-Chairman of the School Board, was given a
plaque, honoring him for his forty years of uninterrupted and dedicated
service to the school.
In his typically humble way, Mr. Richard Manoogian, accompanied by his
gracious wife Jane, thanked all those, past and present, associated with
the well-being of the school and reminisced how the students would
brighten his father and mother’s day during their frequent visits. He
quipped how proud they were when the school was mentioned in the media,
even for snow-day announcements.
Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian, former pastor of St. John Armenian Church and a
fixture at the school for all special events, offered a prayer in
closing. This was followed by the official cutting of the ribbon and
formal unveiling of the Manoogian High School. Guests were given tours
of the school by smiling high school students in uniform attire.
Guests enjoyed a lavish mezze table prepared by a small but
extraordinary group of teachers, parents, and grandparents. The dinner
was catered by well-known chef, Mr. Gary Reizian, and his stellar crew.
Entertainment was provided by Mr. Arthur Apkarian and his band from
Montreal. They mesmerized the audience late into the night with an
inexhaustible repertoire of Armenian popular and patriotic songs.
Kudos to the Dinner/Dance Committee comprised of Linda Darian Karibian,
Ani Kasparian, Sonia Kalfayan, Dyana Kezelian, Mona Kurjian, Silva
Sagherian, Sylvia Samarjian, Seran Tcholakian, and Shoghig Torossian.
We wish the A.G.B.U. Manoogian School many more achievements and
accomplishments in their noble mission to educate and instill high moral
and ethical values in the generations to come. Bring on the 45th and
50th anniversaries!
Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian program, annually touching the
lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world.