Author: Kanayan Tamar

ARMENIAN MP SUGGESTS INCREASE IN SCIENCE SPENDING

September 25, 2013 | 19:02

YEREVAN. – Armenian MP Hrant Bagratyan on Wednesday submitted a bill
offering to increase science spending for 2013-17.

He submitted the draft bill to the parliament’s standing committee
on science and education.

The draft bill suggests setting science spending at one percent of
the GDP of 2011 and further increasing spending during the next years.

However, the bill was rejected by the Education Ministry.

Later Hrant Bagratyan withdrew the bill for further discussion.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

NGOS, YEREVAN’S CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS RAISE PROBLEM OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

21:43 ~U 25.09.13

Chairman of the Echo NGO Seryozha Ohanjanyan, who deals with problems
of people with disabilities, has raised the problem of misuse of
funds allocated for the construction of ramps.

Most of the ramps do not meet the standards and people with
disabilities cannot use them without their relatives’ help.

Ohanjanyan reports that the Yerevan Municipality has allocates a
total of AMD 20m (about $50,000) for the construction of 100 ramps
throughout Yerevan.

“I have addressed a letter to the Yerevan Municipality, but I have
not so far received an answer. The already constructed ramps are not
convenient,” he told Tert.am.

“Nothing has been done over the recent years to facilitate movement
for people with disabilities,” he said.

Head of the Barev Yerevan group at Yerevan’s City Council Anahit
Bakhshyan inquired about the problem. She noted that “ramps are not
pro-forma structures.” She has applied to the Yerevan Municipality
for information.

“I have received an answer that the Yerevan Municipality has allocated
AMD 20m for the construction of 196 ramps,” Bakhshyan said.

Chairman of the Unison NGO Armen Alaverdyan told Tert.am that the
new ramps meet the necessary standards.

“The ramps constructed in Yerevan’s small center this year are very
good. But they are very few. As soon as we see problems, we raise
them,” he said.

MR. GUENTER PILARSKY, CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF THE CRONIMET MINING AG HAS SENT A CONGRATULATION LETTER TO THE MAYOR AND RESIDENTS OF KAJARAN

Country – Wednesday, 25 September 2013, 17:52

In relation to the 55th Anniversary of establishment of Kajaran town,
Mr. Guenter Pilarsky, major shareholder of the “Zangezur Copper
Molybdenum Combine” and Chairman of Board of the CRONIMET Mining AG
has sent a congratulation letter to the Mayor and residents of Kajaran,
which particularly states: Dear Mayor and Kajaran residents!

On behalf of the CRONIMET Group of companies, my family and myself
personally I would like to extend our sincere congratulations on
55th anniversary of establishment of Kajaran town. Having a distinct
honor to be a major shareholder of one of the largest enterprises of
the Republic of Armenia over the decade, that is the Zangezur Copper
Molybdenum Combine, truly the national treasure and the town-forming
enterprise, I am absolutely sure that the success of the company is to
great extent conditioned by the diligence, professional dedication and
devotion of Kajaran people. The human qualities of Kajaran settlers
utterly justify the name of their and my beloved town, with its
residents being courageous, open-hearted and dignified people. Dear
Kajaran residents, colleagues, friends, several generations of Kajaran
people have fueled tremendous growth of not only Kajaran town but also
unquestionable conquest of our enterprise – Zangezur Copper Molybdenum
Combine. Together we have gone through a thorny path, leaving behind
numerous obstacles, concurring problems that seemed impassable,
even global economic crisis. Today we may proudly testify that our
continuous joint efforts and precious attention of Armenian Government
have turned Kajaran into a premier economic engine of Armenia. Being
extremely proud of current achievements of Kajaran people, I am
absolutely sure that the paramount years of the town are still ahead.

I do believe that together we will ensure sustainable and constant
development of our beloved town, will do everything to inspire future
generations of people to tie their and their children’s future with
Kajaran – living in safe, prosperous and beautiful town. Mr. Guenter
Pilarski, Chairman of Board, CRONIMET Mining AG Honorary Consul of the
Republic of Armenia in the Baden-Wuertenberg, Federative Republic of
Germany Representation of CRONIMET Mining AG in the Republic of Armenia

KHOSROV HARUTYUNYAN: ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT HAD ONLY ECONOMIC PURPOSE

14:59 25/09/2013 ” Politics

Armenia chose the Eurasian vector and made a decision to join
the Customs Union taking into consideration the national security
challenges facing the country, Christian Democratic Party leader
Khosrov Harutyunyan told reporters in Yerevan.

“The Turkish-Azeri tandem is the key threat to Armenia’s national
security and the Armenian authorities made such a decision from
national security considerations,” Harutyunyan said.

Regarding the Association Agreement with the European Union, the
politician said that both that Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive
Free Trade Agreement had only economic purpose.

“The European Union tried to force Russia out of the region with the
help of Armenia. It expected to have a diplomatic victory. But Russia
is not naïve,” Harutyunyan said.

EEC: ABSENCE OF COMMON BORDER BETWEEN ARMENIA, CU NOT PROBLEM

September 25, 2013 – 17:10 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Absence of a common border between Armenia and the
Customs Union won’t hinder integration with the latter, Director of
the Department of Integration at the Eurasian Economic Commission
(EEC) said.

As Viktor Spassky told a news conference in Moscow, there’re enough
examples in the world with countries affiliated with the same economic
unions despite having no common borders.

According to Spassky there’s no exact date for Armenia’s accession
to the Customs Union, the decision being up to Yerevan.

“It’s hard to guess when Armenia will join the CU, with the speed of
the process depending on Yerevan,” he said.

“There’s a certain procedure to follow in joining the CU, which
includes accepting the basis of the Union as well as the Common
Economic Zone (CEZ) similar to Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.”

“In the CU framework, the country must join 78 normative documents
as well as 17 CEZ describing documents,” he said. “It’s a serious
process, with the ratification to be brought into compliance with
the Armenian legislation.”

As he further noted, in mid 2014 the draft agreement for creation
of the Eurasian Economic Union will be readied, to come into force
starting January 1, 2015.

“Should Armenia complete all internal procedures by then, it may join
EEU as the 4th member state. Also, Armenia has an advantage of being
familiarized with the normative basis in the capacity of the EurAsEc
observer,” he said.

Armenia completed technical talks on a ‘deep and comprehensive
free-trade agreement’ (DCFTA) with the EU in July and it was set
to be signed at a summit with the EU in late November. In addition
to a free-trade deal, Armenia has been working towards the signing
of an association agreement with the EU, a framework agreement on
co-operation that is seen as a first step towards political integration
with the EU.

However, during a Sept 3 meeting with Russian President Vladimir
Putin, Armenian leader Sargsyan said Armenia is ready to join Customs
Union, with further plans to be involved in formation of the Eurasian
Economic Union.

Mr. Putin supported the initiative, voicing readiness to assist Armenia
in the process. He also noted that Russian Railways may invest 15
billion rubles in development of Armenia’s railway network.

The Customs Union was formed in 2010 to include of Belarus, Kazakhstan,
and Russia; Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan later expressed willingness to
join the Union.

22ND ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIA’S INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATED IN MOSCOW

18:40, 25 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS: In Moscow was held official
reception dedicated to 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s Independence in
which took part high-rank officials of Russian state bodies, diplomats,
public and cultural figures and representatives of Armenian community
in Moscow. “Armenpress” was informed from ministry of foreign affairs
that ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Armenia to Russia
Oleg Yesayan in his speech mentioned the importance of Independence Day
in Armenian history. “This glorious event heralded the full return of
Armenian to international political field and became the important
symbol of the unity of our nation,” mentioned the ambassador. In
his speech he also reverberated to Armenian-Russian friendship which
has a history of several centuries and prospects of development of
partnership between the countries.

Deputy foreign affairs minister of Russian federation Grigory Karasin
in his speech highlighted that two friendly nations have rich past
of cooperation and mutual support and the strategic partnership in
state level is continued with high efficiency both during first
years of independence and today about which speak the meetings
between high-rank officials of two countries. According to Karasin
the framework of cooperation between strategic partners is expanded
year by year including new spheres and mechanisms.

© 2009 ARMENPRESS.am

STUDY OF FLORA IN ARMENIAN CAVE REVEALS EVIDENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGES

18:45 25.09.2013

Hasmik Dilanyan
Public Radio of Armenia

Within the framework of a working visit to Ararat marz Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan visited the newly constructed kindergarten
in Ayntap community and the new cultural center in Vedi.

The President later headed for Vayots Dzor marz, where he familiarized
himself with the excavation works at “Areni 1” cave. This is where the
earliest known shoe and earliest known winery in the world were found.

Excavations have been conducted in the cave since 2007. The head of
expedition Boris Gasparyan says the biological residues in the cave
have not decayed, different seeds and grains have been found.

This is a unique opportunity for research, says Pavel Avetisyan, the
Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography. “There are few monuments in
the world, where one can find such well-preserved items. The cave is
of unique scientific importance not only in the Armenian highland,”
he said.

Lusine Margaryan has been engaged in the excavation works at “Areni 1”
since 2010. According to her, the study of flora is very important.

“The existence of this or that plant and its subsequent disappearance
is an evidence of certain climatic changes,” she said.

This wonderful site is now closed to tourists. However, there are
plans to create conditions allowing tourists to see and admire the
beautiful nature of Vayots Dzor and the cave at least at some distance.

EXPERT: INVESTMENTS INTO ARMENIA’S ECONOMY DWINDLED THIS YEAR AS EXPORTS SHRUNK

YEREVAN, September 25. /ARKA/. Tatul Manaseryan, an economist and
the head of Alternative think tank, told journalists on Wednesday
that the flow of investments into Armenia’s economy dwindled this
year and the country’s exports shrank.

“I would like to point out unattractiveness of the domestic market
as one of factors,” he said. “There are no incentives for internal
investments in Armenia, i.e. no favorable environment has been created
here to attract local businessmen’s money.”

If things remain unchanged, he said, their money will continue
streaming out of the country.

Speaking about exports, Manaseryan recalled that mining industry
products dominate Armenia’s export.

“We are weak in processing industry, and this problem is connected
with introduction of new technologies,” Manaseryan said adding that
temporary exemption of small and medium enterprises importing advanced
technologies worth over AMD 300 million from VAT would foster their
development.

Among unusual approaches in supporting small and mid-scale businesses,
Manaseryan singled out direct participation of the government in
business projects, which contracted this year, compared with two
previous years.

“We think that not only businessmen should ask the government for
support to business projects, but the government itself, ministries
and agencies, should take steps toward the business community, SMEs
and should find those competitive businesses needing support,” he said.

The expert said that they can not only provide financial assistance to
businesses, but also contribute to solution of their organizational,
marketing and other problems.

Armenian economy ministry says SMEs’ share in the country’s GDP was
43% in 2012, as in 2011.

According to official statistical reports, Armenia’s exports totaled
$952.2 million in Jan-Aug 2013 – 8.9% year-on-year growth.

The country’s foreign trade turnover grew 2.8% in Jan-Aug 2013,
compared with the same period a year before, to $3656.5 million.

Aggregate investments into the real sector of Armenia’s
economy made for six months of this year not through banking
system and without government administration amounted to $293
million – 34.7% year-on-year decline. —-0—- – See more at:

WILL COURT OF CASSATION GIVE UP ON HEAD OF SRC?

September 24 is a significant date. The SRC lost a case to the student
of law Sergey Grigoryan at the Court of Appeals. The student of law
imported a car, submitted the invoices to the SRC but the SRC did not
apply the transaction value method, valuating the car more expensive.

The Customs Service did not recognize the invoices, and the lawyer
was charged a higher customs fee. The lawyer did not give up and sued
the SRC. The Administrative Court ruled the case in favor of the SRC
on March 15.

Afterwards the Court of Appeals changed the verdict of the First
Instance Court. The Court of Appeals decided that the SRC must apply
the transaction value method and charge a 2000 dollars lower fee
than the fee charged by the customs officers last May. The Court of
Appeals has also voided the note of Arthur Afrikyan, the first deputy
head of the SRC.

The decision of the Court of Appeals gave a surprise to many, at least
because any act of justice is always a surprise in Armenia. In this
case, however, the court ruling is something significant because not
only Sergey Grigoryan encountered the arbitrary approach to customs
clearance of cars but also the majority of importers of cars to
Armenia who are not backed by someone influential in the government
or in the very SRC.

In Armenia the customs fee for cars is already too high. Plus the SRC
raises the fee up to the ceiling, ruling out every cheaper option. The
SRC does not believe in any import document and applies the market
value method. In other words, the SRC is arbitrary. And even if it
is possible by law, it actually turns out that the law enables the
SRC to be arbitrary.

And this is happening in a country where the government commits
to improvement of the business climate and fight on corruption and
patronage.

The staunch student of law did not just take a model step for the
protection of his rights but also a step that may have a systemic
importance for the future of the state.

If certainly the ruling system does not restore the immunity of the
SRC at the Court of Cassation. The decision of the Court of Appeals
will enter into force in a month, which the SRC can apply to the Court
of Cassation. Considering the coverage and deepness of this case, the
SRC will do that. And since the SRC and its head Gagik Khachatryan are
untouchable and they are allowed everything, the Court of Cassation
will not reassert state justice but will restore “systemic justice”.

Gagik Khachatryan was not surrendered by the newly established but
idle Ethics Commission, dismissing Transparency International’s
application. So now it is a surprise that the Court of Appeals gave
up on Gagik Khachatryan. However, there was confidence that the Court
of Cassation will rapidly liberate him from law.

Nevertheless, the Court of Cassation may have a burst of professional
jealousy and dignity. Moreover, currently the president of the Court
of Cassation Arman Mkrtumyan is rumored to leave his position soon,
and the government is dissatisfied. Mkrtumyan has a chance to leave
the society at least a little satisfied after he leaves his office.

And if he leaves before the SRC applies to the Court of Cassation,
the next president of the Court of Cassation will get a good start.

Hakob Badalyan 16:44 25/09/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

EVEN RUSSIAN DIASPORA DID NOT WELCOME MEMBERSHIP TO CUSTOMS UNION

The Armenian Diaspora has not reacted to Serzh Sargsyan’s decision to
join the Customs Union. The only statement relating to the Diaspora
was made by MP Heghineh Bisharyan, noting that the decision stems
from the security need of 2.5 million Armenians living in Russia.

The Armenian communities of Europe and the United States have not
reacted to the decision of the Armenian government. Ken Hachikian of
ANCA told Radio Liberty that the Armenian government’s decision was
not transparent and unfair to the Armenian people.

He also noted that the government had better get down to solving
vital issues such as concentration of wealth, corruption, unemployment.

The Diaspora hardly ever criticizes the Armenian government. In private
conversations the Diaspora representatives display a good knowledge of
Armenian reality and problems but they never reach public statements.

There have been several bright episodes of criticism from the Diaspora
on the government’s policy causing people to emigrate. Charles
Aznavour, Catholicos of Cilicia Aram I, the ARF in the United States
have criticized the government which has silenced them all.

Five years ago Serzh Sargsyan’s football diplomacy and normalization
with Turkey got the toughest criticism ever. Serzh Sargsyan travelled
to the Diaspora communities and did not get a warm welcome, sometimes
he was met with demonstrations of protest. Afterwards Serzh Sargsyan
decided to “quit” the Diaspora and did everything he could to reduce
the influence of Armenia on politics and economy of Armenia.

Except the Armenian community of Russia which is the conductor of the
Armenia-Russia relations, or rather the Russian economic and political
guidance. Nevertheless, even the Armenian Russians have not welcomed
warmly Serzh Sargsyan’s decision.

15:20 25/09/2013 Story from Lragir.am News: