Author: Nargizian David

LEVON ARONYAN PLAYED A DRAW WITH MAGNUS KARLSEN

armradio.am
29.05.2007 12:46

Armenian Grand Master Levon Aronyan played a draw with Norwegian Magnus
Karlsen in the second game of the first tour of the tournament of World
Champion challengers and is currently leading with the score 1.5:0.5.

Let us remind that the tournament is under way in Elista, the capital
of the Republic of Kalmikia.

In the next round the winner of the Aronyan-Karlsen couple will play
with the winner of the pair of Englishman Michael Adams and Alexey
Shirov of Spain.

MOSCOW STUDENT SAID HE KILLED 37

Kommersant, Russia
May 28 2007

Detained on murder suspicion, Armenia’s native Arthur Ryno said he
killed 37 for ethnic reasons, Vremya Novostey reported with reference
to prosecutors of South-West District of Moscow. The detectives
that are checking acknowledging statement of the accused have found
evidences for some murders already.

On April 17, three unidentified young men attacked Karen Abramyan, 46,
sticking knifes into him several times. Abramyan died in a hospital
of wounds. The attackers had been shouting nationalist slogans,
he managed to say before death.

But Vremya Novostey mentions only two detained – Arthur Ryno, 18,
a student of Kiselev Icon Painting School, and Pavel Skachevsky, 18,
a student of Russia’s State University of Physical Culture. They were
caught nearly red-handed because of the witness testimonies.

Having seen the tape of watching camera, Ryno told about a series of
murders that he allegedly committed from August 2006.

He was attacking in different regions of Moscow. Skachevsky helped
him in 20 crimes. Though Ryno gave details of the crimes he couldn’t
specify exact dates and places. But at least one more murder has been
confirmed already, sources with the prosecutors said.

Unlike Ryno, Skachevsky denies participation in the attacks.

Tigran Torosyan congratulates people on the Republic Day

ArmRadio.am
26.05.2007 14:52

Speaker of RA National Assembly Tigran Torosyan issued a
congratulating message on the occasion of the Republic Day. The
message says:

`Dear compatriots,
89 years ago, in the cruelest period of its history our people not
only managed to resist the fatal challenges of the enemy, but also
fulfilled its centuries-old dream by restoring statehood.

On May 28, 1918 the birth of the Republic of Armenia became the
victory of our freedom-loving people and an important impulse for
rebirth.

I congratulate all of us on the occasion of the Republic Day, wish
success and new achievements, being confident that democracy and
reforms are already irreversible realities that made irreversible the
sovereignty of our state.’

KHOSROV HAROUTIUNIAN: NA ELECTIONS CAN BE CONSIDERED AS START OF ARMENIA’S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT

Noyan Tapan
May 25 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 25, NOYAN TAPAN. If the newly elected National
Assembly fails to undertake concrete steps against bribery, umpunity,
protectionism and arbitrariness, the forthcoming presidential elections
can fail to become the logical development of these parliamentary
elections. Khosrov Haroutiunian, Chairman of Christian-Democratic
Union Party, expressed such opinion at the May 25 press conference.

In his words, the public and the country are "on the threshold of
development stage." In his words, the "legal start" of that stage
was given by adoption of the Constitution and the last parliamentary
elections can be considered as the "political start."

K. Haroutiunian expressed an opinion that nation’s development is
possible not through political confrontation but through pluralism. "We
do not see a political force, non-appearance of which in the parliament
will cause such anxiety that the quality and content of the political
process will suffer as a result of it," he said.

K. Haroutiunian preferred not to speak about the elections to be held
in 2008, as, in his words, the public has not managed to digest the
parliamentary elections yet. In connection with the possibility of
his being a candidate for the presidential elections he said: "We
have no issue of the kind on our agenda, but my political biography
and the way I have passed perhaps are no less favorable for me to be
a candidate for the presidential elections."

MAYOR OF GYUMRI: THEY WANTED TO KILL ME BECAUSE I TELL THE TRUTH

ArmInfo
2007-05-24 15:11:00

In his interview with the Armenian "Shant" TV company, Vardan
Ghukassyan, Mayor of Gyumri and a member of the Republican Party’s
Board, said that he knows who made the assassination attempt on him
on April 2.

"I’m sure that they wanted to kill me because I’ve always told the
truth and never concealed the fact that there are 4000 homeless
children in Gyumri and not 1500 as some power representatives used
to say," V.Ghukassyan said. He emphasized that he doesn’t hope for
disclosing of this crime as there is little concern about it. According
to him, if the crime is disclosed, it will turn out to have a political
character, otherwise it was evidently a political order. At the
same time he stressed that the assassination attempt scarcely had a
personal character, as he has no enemies, "he is an honest Christian,
a loving family man, who constantly extends a helping hand to the poor,
and after all, he has never hurt anyone in his life". He added that
he’d like to die like Vardan Mamikonyan who served his nation.

As for the recent skirmish in Gyumri where the Mayor’s son Spartak
Ghukassyan also was involved, V.Ghukassyan said: "My son is as honest
as I am. He has never hurt anyone and always helped the poor. And if
I learn that someone in my family behaves indecently, I myself will
kill them and give them up for lost". As for the opinion that there
was an animosity between the Mayor of Gyumri and Artashes Sargsyan,
the head of the Prosperous Armenia party’s office in Gyumri, who
was the other participant in the skirmish, V.Ghukassyan noted:
"A.Sargsyan is a friend of our family, he always takes part in our
family events and there is no animosity between us". Concerning the
second skirmish near the Karot filling station, the Mayor of Gyumri
sees nothing special in it. "All the statements that Gyumri has turned
into a criminal city are groundless. Our city is the calmest and most
peaceful city in the world", he said, appealing to the powers that be
to leave him and his city alone for two years at least. "Then you’ll
see what Gyumri will turn into," he added. V.Ghukassyan said that at
the moment he is getting ready for the second operation.

To note, as a result of the April 2 assassination attempt, V.Ghukassyan
was seriously injured and operated on, afterwards stayed in hospital
for two weeks. His three bodyguards died on the spot, and the driver
died in hospital.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I VISITS THE
SAINT ASDVADZADZINE CHURCH OF ALEPPO

His Holiness Aram I visited the Saint Asdvadzadzine Church of Aleppo on
May 21, where he was welcomed by a large number of faithful.

His Holiness blessed the masses of the faithful as he walked through them
and entered the church.

Primate Bishop Shahan Sarkissian delivered a few words of warm welcome to
His Holiness Aram I, considering the Pontifical visit a good opportunity to
get a closer look at the life of the Syrian-Armenian community. He pointed
out that such visits were the best expression of the Armenian Church’s care
for its people and its nature as a mission rather than a mere structure.

The Pontiff delivered a sermon focusing on the concept of loyalty to the
Church established by Jesus Christ. "Who believes in Christ should follow
him. Christ Himself said: those who believe in me, let them carry the cross
and follow me."

Elaborating on what it means to be Christian and to follow Christ, His
Holiness said: "Being Christian means living a cross centered life. The
Cross is a symbol of love and dedication. The Cross is a symbol that
signifies a goal, the establishment of the Kingdom of God, which was founded
by Jesus Christ. Being Christian means basing our life on love. Being
Christian means living for the other, dedicating our life to others. Being
Christian means making the establishment of the Kingdom of God the main aim
of our life."

Having talked on these three characteristics of Christianity, the
Catholicos talked about the true path leading to them, which is the Church.
"It is the Church that guides us towards Christ. Our church’s unparalleled
role in our spiritual growth can not be replaced otherwise," he said.

His Holiness also spoke about the role of the Armenian Church throughout
history, emphasizing the possibilities of Armenians living a harmonious and
collective life under its umbrella.

The sermon was followed by Achahampouyr. His Holiness then visited the
"Gertasirats" Armenian school, located next to the church. He explored the
school’s newly built section and highly praised philanthropist Gabriel
Chemberdjian who was present at the reception.

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View the photos here:
tm#2

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

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Global Armenian Technology Congress to Debut July 2007 in San Francisco

ArmTech ’07 to Feature Technology and Business Programs and Worldwide
Connections for Professionals, Executives, and Entrepreneurs

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, USA and YEREVAN, Republic of Armenia – May
23, 2007 – The Armenian Technology Congress (ArmTech) announced the
launch of ArmTech ’07, a global high-technology-focused event to be
held in San Francisco July 4-7, 2007, at the Fairmont Hotel. This is
the first high technology congress and exhibition designed for
professionals interested in engaging in the global Armenian community
and the rapidly rising technology sector of Armenia. Designed to
promote both professional networking and valuable connections for
operating companies and entrepreneurs, the event will feature
presentations of the technology achievements and challenges of Armenia
by numerous operating companies, service providers, academic
institutions, and government officials from the U.S., Armenia, and
around the world.

Speakers in advanced technology tracks will present perspectives on
key future innovations and challenges, and business programs will
focus on pivotal trends. Scheduled keynote speakers include high level
officials from the Armenian government, including His Excellency
Vardan Oskanian, Minister of Foreign Affairs; executives from
operating corporations in Armenia and university representatives; as
well as counterparts from the U.S. and other countries that include
the Honorable Joe Simitian, California State Senator; Dr. Chi-Foon
Chan, President and Chief Operating Officer of Synopsys, Inc.;
Dr. Robert Brodersen, Professor, UC Berkeley – Wireless Research
Center; and André Andonian, Director, McKinsey & Company in Europe.

"The time is right for an international event to draw together
professionals who want to engage in the global Armenian community and
support the rapidly rising technology sector of Armenia," said Tony
Moroyan, the founder of ArmTech Congress and a principal executive of
venture and incubation activities including Viasphere International in
Armenia. "ArmTech, envisaged as recurring every two years, is an
unprecedented opportunity to obtain business and professional
information and make key connections spanning the high tech industry,
as well as with government representatives from Armenia and within the
U.S., major players in the financial and services sectors, and leading
academics."

"We are very pleased to participate in the first global Armenian
Technology Congress, ArmTech ’07, across several government
departments and with the support of numerous Armenian companies and
institutions," said Vahram Nercissiantz, chairman of the Armenian
executive committee of ArmTech ’07 and Chief Economic Advisor to the
President of the Republic of Armenia. "The technology sector in
Armenia offers highly leverageable, sophisticated resources and
investment opportunities, and this event brings together the full
spectrum of that offering with leaders and entrepreneurs who can
participate to great advantage. ArmTech ’07 will highlight the
increasing value of international engagements and Armenia’s readiness
to contribute to global technology progress."

More about ArmTech ’07

ArmTech Congress ’07 has attracted the support of an impressive list
of sponsors. "Diamond Sponsors" for the event include VivaCell, the
leading mobile telecommunications provider in Armenia; and Synopsys,
Inc., (NASDAQ: SNPS – News), a world leader in semiconductor design
software. A founding sponsor is Viasphere Technopark, the first
commercial technopark in Armenia. Other corporate sponsors include:
Sonics, Inc.; Impeva Labs, Inc.; Morgan Stanley, and Ponte Solutions,
Inc. Main organizational sponsors of the ArmTech Congress include
Armenian Development Agency (ADA), Armenian Professional Society (APS)
San Francisco Bay Area, USAID (CAPS Program), and Armenian General
Benevolent Union (AGBU). Among the affiliates are IT Development
Support Council (ITDSC), Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Armenia
(CCIA), Armenian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC), Armenian
Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA), Canadian Armenian Business
Council (CABC) and Canada Armenia Business Council (CABC Toronto),
Armenian High Tech Council of America (AHTCA) and Union of Information
Technology Enterprises (UITE)

ArmTech Congress ’07 will showcase several Armenia-born high
technology start-up companies seeking investment and partnerships.

The ArmTech Congress web site is

The ArmTech ’07 Technical and Business Program

Plenary Session keynote speakers include:
– His Excellency Vardan Oskanian, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the
Republic of Armenia
– Mr. Vahram Nercissiantz, Chief Economic Advisor to the President of
the Republic of Armenia
– Dr. Chi-Foon Chan, President & Chief Operating Officer of Synopsys, Inc.
– Dr. Robert Brodersen, Professor, UC Berkeley – Wireless Research Center
– Mr. André Andonian, Director, McKinsey & Company in Europe
– The Honorable Joe Simitian, California State Senator
– Mr. Tony Moroyan, Chairman & CEO of Impeva Labs, Inc.; Managing
Director of D-Age; Chairman of Viasphere Technopark

Program topics presented by invited speakers and panels will include
the following:
– Adequacy of Telecommunication and Internet Infrastructure
– Semiconductor Technologies: Pushing the Limits
– Human Capital: Supply and Demand in High Tech Education
– Research & Development: Fostering Academic and Industry Collaboration
– Digital Media: Content & Delivery
– Monitoring, Optimization & Security: Networks, Logistics & Assets
– Renewable & Alternative Energy: Challenges & Opportunities
– Biotech & Fine Chemical Technologies: Emerging Trends
– Enterprise IT & Business Intelligence
– High Tech Investment Environment, Challenges & Opportunities:
Silicon Valley & Armenia — This will include several Armenia-born
high technology start-up companies seeking investment and
partnerships.
– Professional Synergies: Networking, Collaboration & Future of
ArmTech Congress
– Corporate Exhibitor Presentations: Products & Technologies

About Armenian Technology Congress

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, the Armenian Technology Congress was
founded by technology and business professionals to foster
professional growth in the worldwide Armenian technology community,
and to promote the growth of Armenia’s rapidly rising technology
sector. The organization welcomes liaisons with other entities that
are similarly aligned and has no political affiliations. The
development of a repeatable international technology and business
conference, ArmTech ’07, is the current focus of the organization. For
more information, please visit

SERGE SARGSIAN REASSERTS ARMENIA’S POSITION ON ISSUE OF NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT

Noyan Tapan
Mya 23 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian prime minister Serge
Sargsian on May 23 received the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Yuri
Merzlyakov and Bernard Fassier, who are on a regional visit to
Yerevan. They presented the latest developments in the process of
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

According to the RA Government Information and PR Department, during
the meeting Serge Sargsian reasserted Armenia’s position on settling
the conflict in a peaceful way through negotiations and respecting
the right of self-determination of the people of Nagorno Karabakh.

CONSTRUCTION OF MEGHRI-KAPAN INTERSTATE ROAD TO FINISH IN SEPTEMBER

Noyan Tapan
May 23 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. Issues related to the transfer of
Armenian railway for concessional management were discussed at the
May 23 working meeting of the Armenian president Robert Kocharian and
the RA minister of transport and communication Andranik Manukian. NT
was informed from the RA president’s press service that R. Kocharian
underlined the necessity of controlling this process.

A. Manukian also informed the president about the process of
constructing the Meghri-Kapan interstate road, saying that it will
be completed in September. They discussed the construction of a new
road section in Tavush marz, which will bypass the previous border
road considered as dangerous. According to the minister, the new road
will be put into operation in August.

The interlocutors addressed the issue of organizing the restoration of
roads destroyed by spring floods. The president instructed A. Manukian
to establish strict control over the quality of road construction
and finish it within the envisaged period.

FINAL VOTE RESULTS UPHOLD SARKISIAN LANDSLIDE
By Hovannes Shoghikian

Radio Liberty, Czech rep.
May 21 2007

Armenia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has released the final
results of the May 12 parliamentary elections that formalized the
landslide victory of the Republican Party (HHK) of Prime Minister
Serzh Sarkisian.

According to the official results made public at the weekend, the HHK
won almost 33 percent of votes cast for parties and will directly
hold 64 of the 131 seats in the National Assembly. Forty-one of
those seats were won under the system of proportional representation,
while the 23 others in single-member individual constituencies.

The ruling party is also assured of the backing of nine other,
nominally independent parliamentarians, giving it a de facto absolute
majority in the newly elected Armenian parliament. Sarkisian will
thus be in a position to form his new cabinet without the backing of
other parties loyal to President Robert Kocharian.

The biggest of them, the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK), came in
a distant second with 14.7 percent of the proportional vote and 18
parliament seats, 7 of them won in single-member electoral districts.

The BHK was followed by another pro-Kocharian party, the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), which got 12.8 percent of
the vote and will have 16 deputies in the assembly. All of them were
elected on the party list basis, with none of the Dashnaktsutyun
candidates prevailing in the individual constituencies. Virtually
all of those constituencies were swept by wealthy individuals with
close ties to the government.

The final CEC tally also confirmed that only two opposition parties
cleared the 5 percent threshold for entering the parliament under
the proportional system. It showed the Orinats Yerkir Party of former
parliament speaker Artur Baghdasarian winning 6.8 percent of the vote
and 9 parliament seats. The Zharangutyun party of Raffi Hovannisian
will have 7 seats.

Both opposition groups have rejected the official figures
as fraudulent, with Orinats Yerkir planning to challenge them in
Armenia’s Constitutional Court later this week. The CEC chairman,
Garegin Azarian, insisted, however, that Armenia held the most
democratic elections in its history. Western monitors have similarly
said that they largely met democratic standards.

Eighteen other parties and one bloc that contested the elections
will thus not be represented in the new parliament, even though they
polled a combined 27 percent of the vote. The effectively lost votes,
the bulk of them cast for opposition parties, were distributed among
the more successful contenders, earning the HHK an extra 9 seats.