Author: Navasardian Karapet

"AZDARAR" MONTHLY PUBLISHED AGAIN IN CALCUTTA AFTER LONG INTERRUPTION

Noyan Tapan
April 19, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 19, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The presentation of
the Azdarar monthly’s first issue, which was released in Calcutta on
December 24, 2007 after over a two-century interruption, took place
at the National Library of Armenia on April 18.

The chairman of the Union of Writers of Armenia Levon Ananian called
the republication of the monthly a heroic deed, while the intitiative
of Azdarar’s editor Martin Sargsian, who committed himself to this
cause, overcoming financial and moral difficulties was called a
patriotic and sacrid action.

"Diasporan Armenians are now becoming estranged: our compatriots in
other countries speak Persian, Arabic, Indian… Wherever they go,
Armenians should carry with then their school, church and newspaper,
which play a significant role in the life of their colony," editor
M. Sargsian said.

According to him, being aware of the newspaper’s importance for Indian
Armenians, they undertook republication of this monthly. Materials
are mainly obtained through local intellectuals, devoted and gifted
Armenians, as well as from the Internet. "We received 423 letters in
a month, which allowed us to print the second issue too," he said.

The new monthly retains the philosophical and historical orientation
of Azdarar first released on October 16, 1794 in Madras. According to
the editor, the only difference is that although we have independent
homeland and statehood now, new tasks have arisen with time, even
though they are somewhat consistent with the philosophy of Azdarar’s
founder Harutyun Shmavonian: to act in the name of strengthening the
statehood and preserving the national identity.

The monthly is published in Armenian and English and mostly discusses
problems of Indian Armenians. New Azdarar also contains articles
about Javakhk and the Artsakh freedom war.

After a two-century interval, in 1956 John Ananian published Azdarar
in English as a bulletin for 6 years but it was not successful. Later
Mesrop Taghidian’s made another attempt which was not crowned with
success either.

The montly’s current circulation is 1,000 which has a tendency to grow.

MEASURES TO BE TAKEN SOON ON IMPROVEMENT OF TAX LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATION IN SMALL BUSINESS

Noyan Tapan
April 18, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 18, NOYAN TAPAN. The amendments to the RA Law on
Simplified Tax took effect in Armenia on January 1st. Based on these
amendments, persons engaged in small business and those providing
some types of services, who previously paid simplified tax, shall
be taxed by general order. The deputy head of the State Tax Service
(STS) Armen Alaverdian said during the April 18 meeting with reporters
that as a result of the indicated amendments, in the first quarter
small businessmen encountered some difficulties related to taxes,
accounting, document circulation, and administration.

According to him, by instruction of the Armenian president, a
timetable of measures on solution of these problems was developed
and then approved by the prime minister. In particular, the STS is
responsible for their solution. By the order of the head of the STS,
all tax bodies were instructed to refrain from imposing administrative
liability on small businessmen – in case they submit reports later
than envisaged – and to assist small business in this issue. By the
same order, no stock-taking and checks of inventory holdings of the
representatives of small business shall be made. Checks shall be made
only in cases of obvious tax evasion.

In the opinion of A. Alaverdian, another important step is the
envisahed development of legislative amendments aimed at promoting
small business. It is envisaged establishing legislatively the
minimum level of annual turnover for small business. Those with a
turnover below this level will be considered small businessmen in
terms of taxation, with numerous mild requirements being envisaged
for them. In particular, the number of reports to be submitted will
be reduced, the accounting tasks and the taxation procedures will be
simplified. Studies of experience of 30 countries like Armenia showed
that the minimum level of annual turnover is fixed at 20-120 thousand
USD in these countries.

A. Alaverdian said that previously it was inexpedient to use
simplified tax as, according to statistics, in 2007 there were about
32 thousand economic entities – simplified tax payers, whose average
annual turnover made only 17 mln drams. However, in his words, state
budgetary revenues grew only 3-3.5fold in case of the 16fold increase
in the number of these entities.

The STS deputy head said that this growth tendency might pose serious
danger in terms of the state budget’s execution. It was announced
that about 16-17 thousand companies – simplified tax payers operated
in Armenia in March.

NEW ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER GIVES FIRST INTERVIEW SINCE APPOINTMENT

Mediamax
April 17 2008
Armenia

"The key issue is the status of Nagornnyy Karabakh and it should be
resolved on the basis of a plebiscite"

An exclusive interview with Armenian Foreign Minister Edvard Nalbandyan
for the Mediamax news agency.

Edvard Nalbandyan was appointed Armenian foreign minister on 14
April. He gave his first interview to the Mediamax news agency.

[Correspondent] Minister, may I begin by congratulating you on
assuming the position of foreign minister. And thank you for finding
the time for this interview on your first day in office. Could I ask
you to share your views regarding the main directions of Armenia’s
foreign policy?

[Nalbandyan] Thank you and with pleasure.

Last week, in his meeting with the Armenian ambassadors, President
Sargsyan said that there will be no significant changes in the main
course of our foreign policy; we will continue to develop bilateral
and multilateral cooperation with friendly and partner states, as
well as our practical engagement in international organizations.

I would not want you to regard my answers here as programme provisions,
but rather as views on some priorities.

Shall I begin with our main partners?

Armenia will continue to strengthen our special strategic partnership
with the Russian Federation, building upon the traditionally friendly
ties between our nations.

We will pursue the development and enhancement of friendly partnership
with the United States and intensified cooperation.

Armenia will continue its consistent effort towards developing
increased ties with Europe, on the basis of the commitments undertaken
within the framework of cooperation with the European organizations
and the common values which we share.

Armenia attaches great importance to relations with those immediate
neighbouring states with which we are engaged in friendly cooperation,
and is ready to exert every effort to improve relations with those
of our neighbors with whom problems still exist.

The settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict remains a priority. I
would like to reiterate Armenia’s commitment to continue the existing
process in order to reach a solution. However, our readiness alone is
not enough. Azerbaijan’s readiness is also needed in order to arrive
at a settlement.

I would like to believe that, together with my Azerbaijani counterpart,
we will demonstrate due responsibility, and set aside the practice
of communicating through the media and declarations and of giving
public lessons and advice.

It is impossible to call for compromise and, at the same time,
declare that the solution will be in the interest of one party only;
to speak of a constructive approach and to make militant statements
and openly prepare for war. Why would this be done? I cannot think
of any other state which would brag about a several-fold increase in
its military budget.

The key issue in the negotiations is the status of Nagornyy Karabakh
and it should be resolved through the peace process, on the basis of
a plebiscite, which will give the people of Karabakh an opportunity
for free expression of their will. This is the essence of the current
stage of negotiations. I believe that there is a window of opportunity
today, and a solution can be reached with a political will.

[Correspondent] Minister, would you like to comment on the current
state of Armenian-Turkish relations and the prospects thereof?

[Nalbandyan] With regard to our relations with Turkey, we have, on
various occasions, expressed our readiness to normalize them without
any precondition.

The genocide is a dark page in our common history and we have to turn
this page together and we must build a secure future together.

I want to reiterate once more Armenia’s readiness to develop relations
with Turkey without preconditions and our commitment to take necessary
steps to that end.

The establishment of lasting peace and stability and wider cooperation
in our region will continue to remain among our priorities.

The strategic importance of the South Caucasus is not only in its
geographic location and natural riches, but in its position on an
important North-South and East-West axis, which can only be fully
utilized if conflicts are resolved and good-neighbourly relations
are established.

This will benefit everyone! The Republic of Armenia will spare no
effort to bring that day closer.

ARMENIAN MAGAZINE IN INDIA RESUMED AFTER TWO CENTURY HALT

ARMENPRESS
April 18, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS: Chairman of the Union of Armenian
Writers, Levon Ananyan, lavished praise today on Martin Sarkisian,
a man who played a key role in resumption of an Armenian language
publication in India that was halted for almost two centuries.

As part of the Armenian Library Week Levon Ananyan presented today a
copy of Azdarar (Herald) magazine that was resumed in 2007, December
24 in Calcutta, India. He described Martin Sarkisian as a’ a hero.’
"Armenians in Diaspora are losing their language.

Every Armenian wherever he goes should take with himself his school,
his church and his newspaper, which are of key importance for Armenian
communities scattered around the globe," Martin Sarkisian said.

Azdarar was first published in 1784 in Madras. The current issue is
in the Armenian and English languages. The print run is 1000 copies.

EDWARD NALBANDIAN RECEIVES CONGRATULATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF ASSUMING OFFICE

armradio.am
19.04.2008 14:48

RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian receives
congratulations on the occasion of assuming office.

His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians offered his pontifical blessing and congratulation to
the newly appointed Foreign Minister. The message says, in part:
"During your activity in the sphere of diplomacy you have made a
considerable contribution to the effective implementation of our
country’s foreign policy, the prosperity and progress of the Republic
of Armenia with the view of welfare life of our people. We pray that
God graces success to you in your activity, protects you and your
family, granting robust health and all the best."

Congratulations have been received also from the Head of the Artsakhi
Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Pargev Archbishop Martirosyan,
NKR National Assembly Speaker Ashot Ghulyan.

Edward Nalbandian has received congratulations from Foreign Ministers
of different countries. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s
message says, in part: "I wish you success in your responsible activity
for the sake of reinforcement of Armenia’s foreign political position
and further development of relations between our countries."

German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier wished to his
Armenian counterpart success and great strength to fulfill the new
and responsible tasks posed for him. Steinmeier assured that Germany
will do its utmost to support Armenia on its way towards future and
continuation of the policy of reforms. He concluded that he welcomes
the cooperation between Armenia and Germany based on trust.

Foreign Minister of China Yang Jiechi underlined that he is ready to
work with Minister Nalbandian to reinforce the cooperation between
the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries, accomplish
the agreements between the leaders of Armenia and China to raise the
Armenian-Chinese partnership to a new level.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ali Babacan also sent a congratulating
message to Edward Nalbandian. The message says: "Your Excellency, I’m
sure that your rich experience in the field of diplomacy will be an
invaluable contribution to the foreign policy of your country. Turkey
is ready to work in the direction of normalizing the relations between
our countries. I sincerely believe that together we shall be able to
make use of the opportunities provided by new political realities to
start a meaningful and targeted dialogue to reach the result we are
aspiring for."

Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received congratulations from the
Foreign Minister of Iran Manouchehr Mottaki, Greek Foreign Minister
Dora Bakoyanis, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and
his Artsakhi counterpart Georgy Petrosyan.

The Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty organization
Nikolay Bordyuzha, President of the Board of Trustees of the Armenian
Assembly of America Hrayr Hovnanian, Director of the European Armenian
Federation Hilda Tchoboyan, Head of the Coordinating Council of the
Armenian Organizations of France Alexis Govchyan also congratulated
Edward Nalbandian.

RA FOREIGN MINISTER OFF TO KARABAKH ON 2-DAY VISIT

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.04.2008 12:37 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian is
departing Friday for Nagorno Karabakh on a 2-day visit.

Minister Nalbandian is scheduled to meet with NKR President Bako
Sahakian, National Assembly Speaker Ashot Ghulian, Prime Minister
Ara Harutyunian and Foreign Minister Georgy Petrossian, the RA MFA
press office reported.

ELENA KABRIELIAN WINS GOLD AT PANCYPRIAN GAMES

Noyan Tapan
April 17, 2008

NICOSIA, APRIL 17, ARMENIANS TODAY – NOYAN TAPAN. Nareg School
Athletics Team high jumper Elena Kaprielian secured gold at the
Pancyprian Games on April 12. She cleared 1.40, which is 10 sm less
than her personal best.

ARMENIAN OFFICIAL DENIES REGIONAL TV STATION’S EQUIPMENT DISMANTLED

Mediamax
April 17 2008
Armenia

Yerevan, 17 April: Chief Officer of Justice of Armenia Gagik Ayvazyan
has denied the statements that yesterday his employees dismantled
the broadcasting equipment of Gyumri’s Gala TV channel, as a result
of which it was deprived of the opportunity to broadcast.

Commenting at the request of Mediamax today on the situation
surrounding Gala, Gagik Ayvazyan noted that, based on the order of the
Court of General Jurisdiction of Shirak Region, officers of justice
have the right to dismantle the antenna, however, this was not done –
the officers limited themselves only to a warning disconnection.

Gagik Ayvazyan stated that the antenna of Gyumri’s Gala TV channel
is still on the television tower of Gyumri and the TV channel will
be able to legally start broadcasting again if the legal proceedings
initiated into this case are halted.

Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal of Armenia upheld the decision
of the Gyumri court of first instance, which required the Gala TV
channel to remove its equipment from the old television tower. The
tower is the property of the Gyumri city administration.

BLACK SEA ECONOMIC COOPERATION SESSION STARTED IN KIEV

Panorama.am
17:18 17/04/2008

The delegation of the RA Foreign Affairs Ministry take part in the
18 th session of the Black Sea Cooperation which takes place in
Kiev. As Panorama.am reporter was informed by Tigran Balayan of the
FAM, Armenia will be presented by Armen Khachatryan the Ambassador
of Armenia in Ukraine.

In the session the sides will discuss some questions on the further
activities of the BSC, the strengthening of relations in the regional
countries, as well as questions on the meetings held on transport,
energetic, customs in 2007-2008.

It is supposed that European Union and Black Sea Cooperation questions
will be discussed in the session.

ARMENIAN AGRICULTURE MINISTRY READY TO IMPLEMENT GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMS

ARKA
April 17, 2008

YEREVAN, April 17. /ARKA/. Armenian Agriculture Ministry is ready to
implement the government’s programs, David Lokyan who was reappointed
as agriculture minister, said on Thursday.

Lokyan thanked the president for his reappointment and said that
the ministry intends to deal with all the problems the agriculture
sector faces.

"The ministry staff realizes very well the importance of its work. We
have skilled specialists, which study international experience", he
said adding that the ministry is also ready to implement agricultural
component of Millennium Challenges Program. Lokyan said Artsakh’s
territories will be included in the programs.