Author: Kanayan Tamar

EXAM TIME: SCHOOL GRADUATES IN ARMENIA SCORE LOWER IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE TESTS THAN LAST YEAR

EDUCATION | 10.06.13 | 16:53

Photolure

By Gohar Abrahamian
ArmeniaNow reporter

The average grade scored by school graduates for the common test in
Armenian language and literature taken last week in Armenia is lower
than last year’s, so is the number of students with the highest score.

This year there are a total of around 15,000 applicants for common
(graduation and university entrance) tests, 8,975 had applied to take
the Armenian language and literature test and 8,648 actually took it.

While last year the total number of applicants was 18,105, and
11,419 applicants out of the 11,795 took the Armenian language and
literature test.

On Monday the Evaluation and Testing Center (ATC) published the test
results, by which the average score is 13.25 versus last year’s 13.9
(the highest score is 20).

ATC told ArmeniaNow that this year 788 students failed to pass the
test, which makes nine percent of the total, while last year it was
only 5.6 percent.

Only 80 applicants have scored the highest 20 versus last year’s
200 applicants.

Among the common tests the one for the Armenian language and literature
is the most controversial with parents, applicants and returning
applicants (who failed to pass it before) complaining that the tests
remind complicated puzzles and there is mismatch with the sample
tests in the practice books serving as the exam preparation guidelines.

On the day of the test Education and Science Minister Armen Ashotyan
said that a number of controversial tasks had been removed from the
practice books and that the test authors had given assurances on the
absence of tasks implying ambiguous or two possible answers.

Philologist David Gyurjinyan says the testing system has been distorted
in Armenia – initially good ideas have been lost and the accepted
test building principles violated.

“For years now ATC relies on the same people and these tests are
a disgrace to both our schools and Armenian language teaching,
they evoke disgust among the applicants, hundreds of mistakes and
shortcomings have been pointed out, the mistakes get corrected,
but the test-makers do not get replaced,” he says.

Earlier this month 1,139 students took the Russian language test with
an average score of 11.8, and only 15 percent failed to pass.

ARMENIA’S NATURAL GAS AND ELECTRICITY PRICE HIKES WILL CREATE ADDITIONAL 2.5% INFLATION – CENTRAL BANK

June 10, 2013 | 13:07

YEREVAN. – The increase in the prices of natural gas and electricity
and the recent hailstorm will create an additional 2-2.5-percent
inflation in Armenia.

Central Bank (CBA) Chairman Arthur Javadyan noted the aforesaid during
Monday’s National Assembly discussions.

In his words, they opt for a tough monetary policy under these
conditions, but it is still too early to say whether the refinancing
interest rate will increase.

As per Javadyan, the main challenge of the CPA is the maintenance
of price stability; but if this conflicts with other challenges,
they need to choose the main challenge.

The CBA head added that they are not pursuing a policy of a strong
Armenian national currency (dram), and they intervene in the exchange
rates solely in the case of sharp fluctuations.

To note, pursuant to Armenia’s Law on State Budget, the allowable level
of inflation in the country is in the 4+-1.5-percent range. As of May
2013, the twelve-month inflation constituted 5.2 percent in Armenia.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

MORE KARABAKH WAR HEROES JOINING PROTEST TO DEFEND VIOLATED RIGHTS

13:11 ~U 10.06.13

Veteran heroes of the Nagorno-Karabakh war will meet next Sunday in
Yerevan’s Liberty Square for a protest- demonstration in defense of
their rights, Tert.am has learned from an activist.

Speaking to our correspondent, a participant of the Karabakh war,
Khachatur Tovmasyan, said they expect to gather together around
300-400 freedom fighters at the meeting.

Several war heroes last month started a series of protests under the
leadership of Colonel Volodya Avetisyan, urging for government efforts
to revise their social guarantees and pension calculation mechanisms.

The group later submitted a letter to the government, which they say
hasn’t received a proper attention to date.

Avetisyan had earlier told Tert.am that the premier had promised to
meet them again to talk over concrete proposals.

But Tovmasyan said the meeting held subsequently had not left them
content.

“It’s common for them to see people off with good words, lulling them
into a false sense of security. We do not believe the prime minister.

One has to practice what he preaches. It is a long time we have been
believing [the authorities]; more than 20 years,” he said, adding
that they have no more time to wait.

Asked whether any representatives of political forces have contacted
them to express a willingness to attend the upcoming event, Tovmasyan
answered that they haven’t yet received any call. But he said they
would be happy to see an increasing number of supporters joining them.

“Today, however, we do not see the forces who would protect our
interests in their speeches. All take a neutral position,” he added.

MIKHAIL ZHVANETSKY TO GRANT A TWO-HOUR SMILE TO ARMENIAN AUDIENCE

11:11, 10 June, 2013

YEREVAN, JUNE 10, ARMENPRESS. “Stage Production” company will introduce
an evening with Mikhail Zhvanetsky in “Aram Khachaturian” Concert
Hall on June 15. “Stage Production” Company informed “Armenpress”
that the program titled “120 Minutes with Mikhail Zhvanetsky” will
grant a two-hour smile and laughter to the Armenian audience. The
evening with Mikhail Zhvanetsky will be held within the framework
of the program titled “Everybody Goes to Yerevan” introduced by
“Democratic Diplomacy” mission.

Mikhail Mikhaylovich Zhvanetsky was born 6 March 1934, Odessa,
Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union. Mikhail Zhvanetsky is best known for
his shows targeting different aspects of the Soviet and post-Soviet
everyday life. Mikhail Zhvanetsky’s monologues and sketches were
performed by Arkady Raikin, Roman Kartsev and Viktor Ilchenko.

He joined the Union of Soviet Writers in 1978 and has authoredseveral
books of humor and satire.

‘EVERYTHING’S WRONG WAY ROUND’ – OPPOSITION ARMENIAN MP

19:31 ~U 11.06.13

Zaruhi Postanjyan, an MP from the Heritage party, stated in parliament
on Tuesday that Armenia’s government appears to be acting against
public order and morals.

Specifically, she addressed a report on the deadly incident in Goris
on the night of June 2, posted on the government’s website.

“This is our government’s image. The government is acting against
citizens, the judicial system is acting against citizens. Everything’s
the wrong way round with us,” Postanjyan said.

Local government bodies headed by the Yerevan Municipality are acting
against citizens as well.

“Moral values are changing day by day, and it is only money that is
the basis for everything now,” she said.

With respect to lawyers’ strike, Postanjyan said that they are
struggling against unlawful actions by Armenia’s judicial system.

“People have to block roads because they cannot defend their rights in
a legal way. Others leave the country,” she said.

OPPOSITION MP INQUIRES ABOUT ARMENIAN PM’S ‘OFFSHORE BUSINESS’

18:45 ~U 11.06.13

Nikol Pashinyan, an MP from the opposition Armenian National Congress
(ANC) party, inquired about Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan’s
absence from Parliament on Tuesday.

The MP asked Minister of Finance David Sargsyan, who presented the
2012 budget report, if Armenia’s premier, as well as Archbishop
Navasard Kchoyan and businessman Ashot Sukiasyan, is a shareholder
of the WLISPERA HOLDINGS LIMITED offshore company registered in Cyprus.

Minister Sargsyan advised the MP to inquire about the government’s
official position. He noted that the rumor was refuted, and the
premier applied to the Prosecutor’s Office.

In response, Pashinyan said that “the public wants an answer from
the premier himself.”

THE FIFTH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL COMPETITIVENESS CONFERENCE TO TAKE PLACE IN YEREVAN

16:00, June 11, 2013

On June 14, the fifth international Pharmaceutical Competitiveness
Conference will take place in Yerevan at the State Medical University
after Heratsi. The conference will provide a platform for private and
public stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector to become acquainted
with the latest achievements in the Armenian industry, discuss common
issues and new projects, and explore new partnership opportunities.

The conference will have two sessions. The first one, entitled
“Pharmaceutical Achievements of Armenia,” will focus on the latest
achievements in the Armenian pharmaceutical market, new developments,
ongoing reforms and development strategies. During the second
session of the conference, “The Best Achievements in International
Pharmaceutics,” participants will hear from the representatives of
foreign pharmaceutical companies about their activities, latest
achievements, products, as well as technological and scientific
discoveries and innovative approaches.

Pharma Armenia EXPO, the annual specialized exhibition of
pharmaceutics, will be held in parallel with the conference. The EXPO
is an opportunity for local and foreign pharmaceutical companies to
present their products and recent achievements.

The conference is organized by the Medicine Producers and Importers
Union (MPIU) of Armenia with the support of the USAID-funded
Enterprise Development and Market Competitiveness (EDMC) Project
and the Industrial Development Fund of Armenia. The conference is
also supported by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Economy,
the Scientific Centre of Drug and Medical Technology Expertise,
the Armenian Development Agency, and the State Medical University.

Participants will include over 500 doctors, representatives of
pharmacies, local and international pharmaceutical companies,
scientists, and experts.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SYRIAN-ARMENIAN BUSINESSMAN SETTLED IN ARMENIA

14:34, 11 June, 2013

YEREVAN, JUNE 11, ARMENPRESS. Petros Balulyan, who has moved from
Armenian-populated Aleppo to Yerevan, settled in the motherland
and established his own business and tries to provide job to the
Lebanese-Armenians and professionals from Yerevan as well. In a
conversation with “Armenpress” the Syrian-Armenian businessmen stated
that it took him a long time to focus and made up his mind. Finally
he has chosen the idea of opening a unique beauty salon. “After long
contemplations I decided to establish a beauty salon in Yerevan,
which will differ from the rest salons. The employees are not
Syrian-Armenians. There are professionals working in the salon,
who are very experienced and passed requalification in a row of
European countries. Thus they can provide high level of services to
the clients,” Petros Balulyan stated.

The Syrian-Armenian entrepreneur has moved to Armenia 8 years ago.

After solving a row of business and daily issues, he brought his
family to Armenia as well.

Later on, Petros Balulyan’s parents also moved to Armenia from Aleppo
alongside with several relatives, because of the intense political
situation in Syria. The mere fact that the rest of the family members
have also moved to Armenia, compelled Petros Balulyan to make a final
decision and not to think about going back to Syria ever again.

(THE FULL VERSION OF THE ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)

Article by Ruzanna Movsisyan Photos by Samvel Berkibekyan

EDB MAY CONSIDER EARMARKING $100 MLN FOR ARMENIA’S NORTH-SOUTH ROAD SOON

YEREVAN, June 11. /ARKA/. Allocation of $100 million by the European
Development Bank for construction of North-South highway in Armenia
may be discussed at the end of June, head of EDB Yerevan office Sergey
Ignatov said.

The issue will be discussed at an Anti-crisis fund meeting scheduled
for end of June, he told ARKA.

If the decision is positive, the bank will be waiting for the
feasibility study from the country’s ministry of transport. After the
study results are discussed with the Anti-crisis fund, the project
may be finally approved, Ignatov said.

The EDB’s expert council gave a positive review to the government
application on 100 million dollars for technical surveillance, design
and construction of one of the sections of the North-South highway.

On January 14 2010 Armenia’s government approved the investment
project for construction of North-South road corridor and the
framework agreement between Armenia and the Asian Development Bank
for 500 million dollars.

The construction of the corridor is expected to be completed in 2017.

The road will extend 556 kilometers to the Black Sea and Europe via
Armenia (Meghri-Kapan-Goris-Yerevan-Ashtarak-Giumry-Bavra) and Georgia.

Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is an international financial
organization established by Russia and Kazakhstan in 2006 to help
develop market economies and boost mutual trade ties in member states.

The bank’s authorized stock is over 1.5bln US dollars. The
member-states are Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia
and Tajikistan.

The bank’s cumulative investment portfolio in Armenia is $109 million
today. -0-

El Espectador, Colombia
8 Jun 2013

Fútbol internacional
Entrevista con Sergio Markarián
`De Colombia me preocupa todo’

El técnico de la selección peruana de fútbol asegura que su equipo se
jugará una verdadera final en Barranquilla. Aún confía en clasificar.

Por: Sergio Farías-* Especial para El Espectador

Sergio Apraham Markarián Abrahamian es un hombre respetuoso que
siempre ha sentido profunda admiración por el fútbol colombiano, en el
que paradójicamente nunca ha trabajado. Se convirtió en técnico en
1976 y ha dirigido en Uruguay, Paraguay, España, Perú, Grecia, México
y Chile. El Mago, como le dicen por su particular virtud de hacer
grandes campañas con equipos modestos, es un estratega de estilo
conservador que prioriza la seguridad defensiva, pero que intenta
sacarles el mayor provecho a las virtudes de sus jugadores.

Sabe lo que es clasificarse a un Mundial. Lo hizo con Paraguay rumbo a
la cita de Corea-Japón 2002. Y aunque ahora la situación al frente de
la selección peruana es diferente, no deja de soñar con volver al
máximo evento futbolístico. `Esto es fútbol y cualquier cosa puede
pasar. Los números indican que hay opciones de pelear un cupo a
Brasil, así que lo haremos’.

Nacido el 1° de noviembre de 1944 en Montevideo, pero de origen
armenio, Markarián no es una persona misteriosa y con su habitual
franqueza confesó que el martes, en el estadio Metropolitano de
Barranquilla, se jugará una verdadera final. Con el triunfo 1-0 sobre
Ecuador en Lima, los peruanos llegan con aire en la camiseta y con la
ilusión intacta de llegar a Brasil.

¿Cómo analiza el juego del martes ante Colombia?
Complicado. Para nosotros es una final, una oportunidad para seguir
vivos e ilusionados. Ellos han logrado hacerse fuertes en su casa y
están pasando por un gran momento. Lo que vamos a hacer es luchar para
acercarnos más a los puestos de clasificación.

La semana pasada ustedes jugaron un amistoso contra Panamá y lo
ganaron 2-1. ¿Era un simulacro de lo que ocurrirá en Barranquilla?
Bueno, es un rival diferente totalmente, pero sí queríamos probar un
poco la respuesta a la temperatura y al ambiente, porque consultamos a
un experto en el tema y nos explicó que el calor en ciudades como
Barranquilla y Puerto Ordaz complica más por la humedad del Caribe. En
Perú no hay ciudades de clima parecido y Panamá era una buena
alternativa, aunque realmente no hizo tanto calor. Hemos trabajado
mucho en el tema de la hidratación y la preparación física para ese
juego, porque habrá mucho desgaste para los muchachos.

¿Qué es lo que más le preocupa del equipo de José Pékerman?
Generalmente evito hablar de los rivales, pero de Colombia me preocupa
todo. Está entre los mejores 10 equipos del mundo. Eso se logra con
buenos futbolistas y un colectivo sólido que saque resultados, eso es
lo que ellos han conseguido.

¿Cómo van a afrontar el partido en el estadio Metropolitano?
Como una final. Tenemos que buscar afuera lo que hemos perdido en
casa, que tampoco ha sido mucho. Si hacemos las cosas con seriedad y
actitud podemos sacar un buen resultado, pero primero que todo tenemos
que sentirnos capaces de lograrlo, como ocurrió ante Ecuador. Sabíamos
que podíamos ganar y salimos con la actitud adecuada para hacerlo.

¿Cómo analiza la eliminatoria hasta el momento?
Es la más pareja del mundo, la más dura. Aquí no hay equipos fáciles.
A nosotros, por ejemplo, ninguna selección nos ha pasado claramente
por encima, aunque hemos tenido pasajes malos, como los primeros 20
minutos en Chile y en Uruguay, que nos han costado caro.

¿Qué partidos destaca de su equipo?
Hicimos unos muy buenos contra Argentina y Chile, jugando así es
difícil que nos ganen. Y ante Ecuador supimos manejar la presión de
necesitar la victoria.

¿Y cuál no le gustó?
Contra Paraguay en Lima, no se jugó bien, pero anímicamente estamos
bien, haberles ganado a Chile y Ecuador significó recuperar la opción
matemática de clasificar y hacer renacer la esperanza en la gente.
Llevan siete partidos invictos, no pierden desde octubre de 2012.
Bueno, eso demuestra que el trabajo a largo plazo va dando resultados,
pero lo único que realmente nos dejaría satisfechos es clasificar al
Mundial.

¿Qué selecciones cree que van a clasificar?
Esto cada vez se aprieta más, porque en dos fechas puedes pasar del
sexto al segundo lugar, o perder posiciones también. Cada partido será
una final para todos. Creo que Argentina ya hizo la tarea y que los
demás seguimos en la carrera.

¿Firmaría un empate en Barranquilla?
Quiero y necesito ganar, pero ya veremos cómo se da el partido.