Author: Nahapetian Zhanna

WORLD BANK TO PROVIDE 43 MILLION DOLLARS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF NORTH-SOUTH (GEORGIA-ARMENIA-IRAN) ROAD CORRIDOR

Noyan Tapan
Dec 18, 2009

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 18, NOYAN TAPAN. By the World Bank’s 4-year
(2009-2011) credit program, it is envisaged providing 550 million
USD to Armenia, including 100 million to the RA state budget and 450
milion USD for state investment projects, Head of WB Yerevan Office
Aristomene Varudakis announced at the December 17 press conference.

He said that in 2010, 8 projects will be submitted to the World Bank’s
Board of Executive Directors for approval, after which they will be
ratified by the National Assembly of Armenia. 25 million dollars to
be provided under these projects will be used for budget support,
reforms in tax and customs sector, and improvement of the body
conducting the policy on competition.

According to A. Varudakis, about 7 million USD will be allocated
to the Social Investment Fund to provide assistance to 37 community
development programs, and 5 million USD will be spent on improvement
of the social protection administration system, especially on
modernization of territorial centers delivering social services.

Besides, 24 million USD will be provided for the IT industry
development programs to create broadband channels in Armenia’s remote
regions as well.

A. Varudakis announced that it is envisaged providing 43 million
USD for reconstruction of the North-South (Georgia-Armenia-Iran)
road corridor. 36 million USD will be allocated for repairs of power
transmission lines, and 14 million USD – for implementation of a
rural development project.

AJEMYAN ONLY SPENDS MONEY

Lragir.am
18/12/09

The head of the central board of the Social-Democratic Hnchakyan party
Sedrak Ajemyan admitted that he owns a business in Armenia. The head
of the party Lyudmila Sargsyan, whom one of the wings of the party
excluded, accused him of having business, as well as of having links
with the government in for which he ruined the Armenian SDHP.

Ajemyan clarified that the story connected with his business comes
from his speech at the Armenia-Diaspora conference two years ago,
when he said that Armenian rural regions are to be developed. For
this sake, he invested in one of the holidays houses of Hanqavan,
buying it at 1 million 700 thousand dollars. Ajemyan said that now he
would not pay for that construction even 500 thousand dollars, adding
that he made that investment proceeding from patriotic feelings to
procure job posts for the residents of that region who are engaged
in the construction of the building. He said that the construction
is not over but he has spent 5-7 million on it. In answer to the
question what he gets, he said that so far he has only spent.

Sedrak Ajemyan said that he has problems in connection with the roads
taking to his object, adding that if he had links with the government,
he would not have those problems. Sedrak Ajemyan says that he has
done everything for Armenia and the opposition. In answer to the
question whether he is offended by the government, he said that he
is offended by everyone.

In answer to the question whether he had meetings with the prime
minister, Ajemyan said he is the head of a pan-Hnchakyan structure
and meets different people. Sedrak Ajemyan stated that they have
always been opposition and will go on being such.

DECISION TO TURN SURB KHACH MONASTERY INTO ETHNOGRAPHY MUSEUM’S DEPARTMENT SUSPENDED

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
17.12.2009 16:17 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Surb Khach monastery will be functioning as Armenian
church, Anatoly Gritsenko, speaker of the Supreme Rada of the Crimea
said. According to him, the decision to turn the Surb Khach Church into
a department of the ethnography museum was made to better organize
its work. Although, that decision on turning Surb Khach Church into
ethnography museum’s department has been already suspended, he said.

"We have agreed with the Catholicos of All Armenians to return to the
issue of Surb Khach Church in a month to assess the situation and to
make a final solution. In any case the monastery will be functioning
as a church, " Anatoly Gritsenko said, Analitika.at.ua reported.

IRAN SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRED SAJJIL-2 MISSILE

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
16.12.2009 16:44 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Iran has successfully test-fired an improved version
of a medium-range missile, state television has said.

The Sajjil-2 has a longer range than previously-tested missiles
which could travel 2,000km (1,243 miles), Iran’s Arabic-language TV
station announced.

That range would put Israel and US bases in the Gulf within range.

Correspondents say it is not the first time this missile has been
tested, but the timing is likely to add to current tension over Iran’s
nuclear ambitions. The West says that Iran is trying to build nuclear
weapons, a charge Iran denies.

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the missile launch could increase
the likelihood of further sanctions on Iran.

"This is a matter of serious concern to the international community
and it does make the case for us moving further on sanctions," he said.

The French Foreign Ministry said the launch was "very worrying". "A
test of this kind can only strengthen the international community’s
worries at a time that Iran is also developing a nuclear program with
no identifiable civil objective in violation of five United Nations
Security Council resolutions," spokesman Bernard Valero said.

In September, Iran was heavily criticized after testing its Sajjil
and Shahab missiles.

Those tests came just weeks after Iran revealed the existence of a
previously secret nuclear facility in the mountains near the city of
Qom, BBC reports.

ASHIB LAUNCHES BISTRAYA POCHTA RUBLE TRANSFERS

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
15.12.2009 11:53 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ ASHIB (Ardshininvestbank) announced the launch of
Bistraya Pochta ruble transfers.

Bistraya Pochta money transfer system functions in CIS countries
through more that 5000 points of service. ASHIB has been cooperating
with Bistraya Pochta since 2006. Besides, the bank operates Contact,
MoneyGram, Migom, IntelExpress and RIA transfers.

RUSSIAN MP: TURKEY SHOULD ACT JOINTLY WITH RUSSIA, NOT U.S. IN KARABAKH ISSUE
Rasul Mehdiyev

Today.Az
cs/58180.html
14 December 2009 [12:51]

Day.Az interview with Sergei Markov, director of Russia-based
Institute of Political Studies, professor at Moscow State Institute
of International Relations and member of the Russian State Duma
(parliament).

Day.Az: How serious are the recent discussions between Turkish Prime
Minister Erdogan and U.S. President Obama about Armenia’s leaving
seven occupied Azerbaijani regions around the former Nagorno-Karabakh
Autonomous Region in exchange for Turkey’s ratifying the Turkey-Armenia
protocols and opening the borders?

Sergei Markov: This is not a subject of compromise between Armenia and
Turkey. I think that relations between these countries will improve.

There is another subject of the exchange involved- Armenia rejects
claims about the "genocide of 1915" and Turkey gives up economic
restrictions against the country.

I think, the situation is still closer to resolution which will
create a fundamentally new situation in the region. Both sides will
have quite substantial benefits from these steps. The fact that there
are forces both in Armenia and in Turkey that are trying to keep the
border closed clearly indicates that there is reason for a compromise,
but not victory of one party.

As to seven regions that were not part of the Nagorno-Karabakh
Autonomous Region during the Soviet Union, I think that they are
becoming basis for future compromise between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

When the Armenian armed forces return their control to Azerbaijan,
in response they will gain some form of recognition of autonomy for
Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as some form of recognition of Armenian
control over the Lachin corridor. Because, Armenia’s control over
Karabakh without control over this corridor is hard to exercise from
a practical standpoint.

What will happen in future? I think, the Turkish side will try to
get involved in a compromise between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Russia
believes that it would be better if Turkey acted according to its
proposals together with Russia but not with the United States.

Because America today is still a major destabilizing force in the
Caucasus region. It cannot exercise full control there, because
it still does not want to contribute to it. There would be peace
in the Caucasus if some force establishes full control over the
region. But Americans are not able to establish full control there
and are unwilling to spend their own resources for this purpose.

So, I think it would be better for the U.S. and the EU leave the region
leaving behind only some economic ties and valuable policies, kindly
treating all others and Russia and Turkey, as the main leaders of the
peace process, would alone resolve all conflicts in the Caucasus. I
think one should expect success only in this case.

To what extent Russia is interested in full resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Or it does not matter for Russia at all?

Russia is interested in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Because fewer conflicts around its borders, the more calm the situation
will be.

Russia also wants to secure formation of a common economic area that
would include besides the current Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine (in
the near future) also Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Turkey. That
is why it needs peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

First, Russia does not want foreign players to solve your problem at
the expense of their interests. Secondly, Russia wants to ensure that
this process takes place very quietly and slowly. Because there is
likelihood not only to resolve the conflict, but also to unfreeze it
and to launch a new war. We know very well that the second is obtained
more easily than the first.

Do you believe that the current format of OSCE Minsk Group mediators is
the only truly format for the parties? Is the group is able to bring
something new into the talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani
presidents?

First, the Minsk format is the only working format which impedes
start of a war. We all say that the conflict should be solved, but we
must never forget that the existence of a peace, while not perfect,
is more important than war.

Secondly, one can think of dozens of different diplomatic formats.

So, it is wrong to assume that the OSCE Minsk Group is the only
possible format. I believe South Caucasus, including the very three
states, plus three countries around the Caucasus – Russia, Turkey
and Iran, is the most optimal format to solve conflicts in the region.

Unfortunately, the U.S. influence has a destabilizing effect on
the region. Obama has not yet been able to completely abandon the
Bush-Cheney policy.

Russia must recognize independence of Nagorny Karabakh: Vladimir Zhirinovsky

2009-12-13 13:57:00

ArmInfo. "If Nagorny Karabakh declares independence, Russia will have
to recognize that republic," said Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Vice Speaker
of the Russian State Duma, Leader of the LDPR, during the
European-Asian Media Forum in Moscow on Friday.

"Russia should recognize the NKR, otherwise Azerbaijanis and Armenians
will never settle the dispute over Nagorny Karabakh. My stance is
neither pro-Armenian nor pro-Azerbaijani," Zhirinovksy said. Asked
about Russia’s role in normalization of the Armenian-Turkish
relations, Zhirinovsky said Moscow would not like Turkey to use the
Armenian-Turkish rapprochement to gain influence over the South
Caucasus. Turks have always had such plans. "Russia needs peace and
stability in the South Caucasus. If peace and stability are ensured,
let Armenia come closer to any country whether it is Turkey, Iran,
Georgia or Azerbaijan. However, in case of aggression, we will support
the victim-country and fully liquidate the aggressor," LDPR Leader
said.

December 11, 2009
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT
HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL

On Sunday, December 13th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello.
Following Divine Liturgy, the Prelate will preside over the Sunday
School New Yeas and Christmas program at "Bagramian" Hall.

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER GRAND OPENING CEREMONY OF HOMENETMEN WR NEW
HEADQUARTERS

The grand opening ceremony of the newly constructed Homenetmen
Western U.S. Regional Office headquarters will take place on the afternoon
of Sunday, December 13th, 2009.
The Prelate will preside over the ceremony. He will be accompanied
by Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian. Executive Council member Mr. Nerses Melkonian
will also attend.

PRELATE MEETS WITH HOLY TRINITY CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES AND FRESNO COMMUNITY
MEMBERS

On Tuesday, December 8th, 2009, the Prelate departed for Fresno to
meet with the Pastor Rev. Fr. Vahan Gosdanian, Board, Delegates, and Ladies
Auxiliary of Holy Trinity Church, as well as representatives of community
organizations.
On the evening of Wednesday, December 9th, the Prelate attended a
dinner reception at the church hall, during which he conveyed his
commendations to the parish volunteers for their devoted service.
On Thursday afternoon, the Prelate attended the New Year and
Christmas luncheon organized by the Ladies Auxiliary where he conveyed his
well wishes and blessings.
PRELATE CONGRATULATES
COUNCILMAN-ELECT PAUL KREKORIAN

On Tuesday, December 8th, 2009, elections for the Los Angeles City
Council 2nd District took place, for which Assemblyman Paul Krekorian was a
candidate. The seat was left vacant by former Council member Wendy Greuel
after she assumed the office of City Controller earlier this year.
Paul Krekorian won the election by a margin of 13 points over his
opponent. The Prelate congratulated Councilman-elect Paul Krekorian on his
victory and wished him success in his new position.

"YEAR OF THE YOUTH" COMMEMORATED AT
FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH

On the afternoon of Sunday, December 6th, 2009, an event dedicated
to the "Year of the Youth" proclaimed by H.H. Catholicos Aram I took place
at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County. The event took place under the
auspices of the Prelate and was organized by the parish Pastor, Board of
Trustees, and Ladies Auxiliary.
Archpriest Fr. Dr. Mesrob Tashjian lectured on the topic "The Role
of the Armenian Youth in our National, Religions, and Cultural Life". The
Prelacy "Lousavorich" Youth Choir led by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian
participated in the artistic program.
A reception followed the lecture, during which remarks were
delivered by Executive Council Chairman Dr. Garo Agopian, parish Board of
Trustees Chairman Mr. Kevork Der Alexanian, Ladies Auxiliary Chair Mrs.
Marie Yaghmourian, and members of the youth choir.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 9, 2009
Contact: Press Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434

HOUSE-SENATE CONFEREES APPROVE AID LEVELS

$41 MILLION FOR ARMENIA AND $8 MILLION FOR KARABAKH

Washington, DC – Finalizing its work on six different appropriations
measures, the Conferees in the House and Senate approved a Consolidated
Appropriations Bill for 2010, which provides $41 million for Armenia and
$8 million for Nagorno Karabakh, reported the Armenian Assembly of
America (Assembly). The bill also maintained parity with respect to
Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Armenia and Azerbaijan at $3 million
each. The Conferees did not delineate funding to either country
regarding International Military Education Training (IMET).

"The Assembly appreciates the continued support of its friends in the
House and Senate in helping secure a positive outcome," said Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "Given Turkey’s ongoing blockade of
Armenia, which is reinforced by Azerbaijan, U.S. assistance remains
critically important," added Ardouny.

The Conferees stated that they "expect the Department of State to
continue to emphasize the use of civil society in implementing programs
and activities in Armenia." The $41 million approved reflects a $7
million drop from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 level, but is $11 million
over the Administration’s request.

On assistance to Artsakh, the "conferees direct[ed] that up to
$8,000,000 be made available for programs and activities in
Nagorno-Karabakh." This matches the level of funding allocated by
Congress in FY 2009.

Earlier this year, in support of robust assistance to Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh, Board of Trustees Member Van Krikorian testified
before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs, outlining the Assembly’s priorities
with respect to funding and U.S. policy in the South Caucasus region.

See testimony here:
_Q1/Foreign_Ops_Testimo
ny_FY_2010_VAN.pdf

With the work of the Conferees completed, the full House is expected to
vote on the Consolidated Bill as early as this friday. Once voted on by
the House and Senate, the Bill will be sent to President Barack Obama
for his signature into law.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3)
tax-exempt membership organization.

ST. SARGIS CHURCH RECONSTRUCTED AND SANCTIFIED IN JAVAHK

PanARMENIAN.Net
09.12.2009 20:46 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ St. Sargis Church was reconstructed and sanctified
in the village of Diliska, Georgia’s Javahk region, populated by
Armenians.

The initiative was financed by Samvel Nahatakyan.

As Armenian Foreign Ministry reported, today’s opening and
sanctification ceremony was attended by Armenian Ambassador to Georgia
Hrach Silvanyan, representatives of Armenian population and Armenian
organizations in Georgia.

Sanctification ceremony was held by the Primate of Georgian Eparchy
of Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan.