Author: Tatoyan Vazgen

FOREIGN MINISTERS OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN TO MEET BEFORE PRESIDENTS’ MEETING

Panorama.am
19:32 21/01/2009

In the end of the month before the meeting of the Presidents of
Armenia and Azerbaijan, by the initiative of the OSCE Minsk Group
co-chairs the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan will meet,
said the Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandyan.

"The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs took the initiative to organize
a meeting of the two Foreign Ministers before the meeting of the
Presidents," said Nalbandyan.

The Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan has already given his consent. "I am
not against that offer and I think that the meeting will take place,"
said the Minister.

Note that according to the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar
Mamediarov the Foreign Minister’s meeting will take place in Zurich,
on January 27.

RETAIL PRICES FOR OIL PRODUCTS IN JANUARY IN ARMENIA NOT TO CHANGE

ArmInfo
2009-01-20 17:09:00

ArmInfo. Retail prices for oil products in early, 2009, in Armenia
somewhat reduced and, appearingly, they will not change till late
January, deputy Director of "Flash" Company, the biggest oil trade
company in Armenia Mushegh Elchyan told ArmInfo.

As he said, a cut in prices by 10 drams was observed on January 5-6. As
of January 20, 2009, the price of "Super AI 98" grade petrol in the
petrol-filling stations of Armenia made up 300 drams per iter, the
price of "Premium AI 95" petrol – 270 drams, "Regular AI 91" – 250
drams, the price for diesel fuel – 240 drams per liter. As compared
with the midst of December, 2008, the January prices fell by 30 drams.

ARMENIA ENTERS THE FIRST THREE IN THE WORLD BY VOLUMES OF GASIFICATION

ArmInfo
2009-01-19 11:07:00

ArmInfo. Meeting of the Armenian and Russian Presidents Serzh Sargsyan
and Dmitry Medvedev was held upon completion of ‘gas summit’ in Moscow
on January 17.

As the Armenian presidential press service told ArmInfo today,
D. Medvedev expressed gratitude to his Armenian counterpart for
participation in the summit. The presidents highly evaluated the state
of bilateral relations as reliable and worthy of the two countries’
strategic interaction. RF president said the Armenian-Russian relations
are at much more profitable level than the issues discussed before
the presidents’ meetings. In particular, D. Medvedev emphasized that
despite sharp rise in prices for the Russian gas in 2009 for Armenia,
no problems appeared in this direction.

For his part, the Armenian president emphasized importance of
cooperation of Armenia with Russia and "Gazprom" in energy sphere in
a long-term prospect.

S. Sargsyan emphasized that the volumes of gas consumption
increased three times over the recent years and the republic
holds the leading positions by gasification volumes not only in
CIS but in the whole world. S. Sargsyan and D. Medvedev agreed
that frequent high- level meetings allow to solve even the most
insignificant problems of bilateral relations. To note, Armenia
imported 2,5 bln cub m of gas from Russia in 2008. The Russian gas
is imported by ‘ArmRusgazprom’ CJSC where 75,55% of shares belong
to ‘Gazprom’, 20% – to the government of Armenia and 4,44% – to
‘Itera’ group of companies. Presently, Armenia has been gasified
by 93%, and the republic enters the first three in the world by
this indicator. Moreover, Armenia takes the first place in the
world by gasification volumes among the countries with no own gas
reserves. Started April 1, 2009, the Russian gas will cost for Armenia
$165 per 1,000 cub m instead of $110 in 2008.

Moreover, it is envisaged that started 2011, Armenia will pay for the
Russian hydrocarbon material at the European prices. "ArmRusgazprom"
CJSC has submitted the Company’s investment programme for 2009-2011,
being currently under discussion, to the Public Services Regulatory
Commission for approval, 5 bln drams of them – to the gas transport
system and 5,8 bln drams – to the gas distribution system. 37,1 bln
drams will be invested in different projects, including reconstruction
and extension of the underground gas storage, completion of the
engineering infrastructure of Iran- Armenia gas pipeline, testing
of the gas pipeline and reconstructive measures, completion of the
principal gasification programme, implementation of the gasification
programme on social-economic development of near-border regions,
as well as continuation of the programme of installation of security
systems (signal devices, isolating valves).

ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS AGAIN AT THE CORE OF DISCUSSIONS
Alisa Gevorgyan

"Radilour"
19.01.2009 17:40

The Armenian-Turkish relations, the process of recognition of the
Armenia Genocide are again in the center of discussions. During
today’s press conference Head of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(ARF) Bureau’s Hay Dat and Political Affairs Office Kiro Manoyan
spoke about the above-mentioned issues. Turning to the Internet
"apology campaign," Kiro Manoyan said the campaign was a step against
international recognition of the Armenian Genocide rather than an
honest expression of apology to Armenians.

"To recognize the Armenian Genocide Turkey needs a revolution,
a revolution in the mentality of the Turkish people," the speaker said.

According to Kiro Manoyan, the recognition of the Armenian Genocide
by the US can contribute to the improvement of the Armenian-Turkish
relations, not vise versa, while the idea of the commission of
historians is unacceptable, since it can mislead the international
community.

According to Mr. Manoyan, the Armenian-Turkish relations are not on the
agenda today, which is connected with the problems inside Turkley. In
his words, the "Ergenekon" radical grouping is dangerous for Turkey
and its activity can lead to the crash of the country.

AZERBAIJAN TO RAISE ISSUE ON RUSSIA’S ARMS SUPPLY TO ARMENIA IN NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

APA
Jan 19 2009
Azerbaijan

Baku. Elbrus Seyfullayev – APA. "Russia’s arms supply to Armenia may
have serious outcomes.

Arms are given to be used, not to be collected in the cellar. How
can it happen that Russia mediates in the settlement of the conflict
and arms one of the sides? Russia should respect its signature as the
member of the UN Security Council," first vice-speaker of parliament,
chairman of the parliament’s standing commission on security and
defense issues, head of Azerbaijani delegation to NATO Parliamentary
Assembly Ziyafat Asgarov told APA exclusively. He said four resolutions
adopted by the UN Security Council on withdrawal of Armenian troops
from Azerbaijani territory and the statement made by the UN General
Assembly in March, 2008 recognized Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

"I mention it because Russia is the permanent member of the UN Security
Council. Why doesn’t Russia respect its signature, if it signed this
document as the permanent member of the UN Security Council?" he said.

Ziyafat Asgarov noted that Russia was one of the co-chairs of OSCE
Minsk Group on the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. He said
it was not clear why Russia supplied Armenia with arms, while the
declaration was signed on the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict
in Moscow on November 2 last year.

"Such cases cast shadow on Russia’s sincerity in its activity as OSCE
Minsk Group co-chair. Besides, this is not the first time. Russia
supplied Armenia with arms worth $1 billion during Boris Yeltsin’s
presidency, in the second half of the 90s of the past century. I am
sure that it happens regularly. These actions are not in line with
the friendship between Azerbaijan and Russia," he said.

The first vice speaker emphasized that Russia stated about its friendly
relations with Azerbaijan for many times. He noted that unfortunately
there are such cases which shadow the mutual relations. "Words and
actions should coincide with each other. Russia must deeply realize its
responsibility for this issue. In any case it is an armament. There is
no difference if they present it, sell or exchange with any property
in Armenia. Russia has not to commit such action if it takes mission
of mediation in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

Asgarov expressed opinion about the rejection of Russian co-chair
in the OSCE Minsk Group. "I don’t support rejection of co-chair by
any country in current situation. As it is the OSCE Minsk Group’s
activity does not bring positive results. I am not sure that new
mediator will change anything. All three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk
Group are permanent members of the UN Security Council. If these three
countries-permanent members of the UN Security Council couldn’t achieve
any result, I don’t believe that other countries will achieve it".

Asgarov thinks that the mediators should protect their neutral position
at first. "How they can be neutral if they voted for Armenia during the
UN General Assembly discussions over the Nagorno Karabakh conflict? We
have to be interested in deepening friendship and cooperation with
these countries and at the same time to say own words".

Asgarov said the issue would be raised in the spring session of
the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Oslo in May, 2009 and everything
would depend on specification of the fact. "The ministries of foreign
affairs and defense are specifying the issue now. Depending on the
results of these specifications, we will seriously raise the issue
before the NATO Parliamentary Assembly".

The first vice speaker touched upon the recent developments too. In
his opinion, some countries intend to turn the international law into
the law of power. "It can not be allowed. If it is going on such way,
it will be difficult to imagine the future of world order".

KOMITAS SONGS NOMINATED FOR GRAMMY

PanARMENIAN.Net
15.01.2009 16:53 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Canadian singer Isabel Bayrakdarian was shortlisted
for Best Vocal Performance Grammy Nomination with Komitas’ songs she
sings with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra, Grammy.com reports.

Isabel Bayrakdarian has already released a CD with Komitas’ songs.

Komitas, who was born on in 1869 in Kutahya, Ottoman Empire, and died
in 1935 in Paris, France, was an Armenian priest, composer, choir
leader, singer, music ethnologist, music pedagogue and musicologist. He
is regarded as the founder of modern Armenian classical music.

ARMENIA’S AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CHINA

armradio.am
16.01.2009 11:32

Armenia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China Armen Sargsyan
presented his credentials to the President of China Hu Jintao.

During the conversation the parties exchanged views on the current
level of bilateral relations and the perspectives of future
development.

The President of China asked to give his regards to the President
of Armenia, noting the meeting with Serzh Sargsyan in August 2008
they agreed to take concrete steps for the further development of
Armenian-Chinese relations.

Speaking about the Serzh Sargsyan’s invitation to visit Armenia,
Hu Jintao said he accepts it with gratitude.

At the end of the meeting the President wished success to Armen
Sargsyan, and added that he can rely upon the support of the
Government of China in further development and reinforcement of
bilateral relations between Armenia and China.

RA PRIME MINISTER TIGRAN SARGSYAN PRESENTED MEDALS AND DECORATIONS TO A NUMBER OF AIRMEN WHO STOOD OUT BY THEIR DEDICATED WORK ON THE DAYS OF THE 1988 EARTHQUAKE

W ednesday, 14 January 2009

On the 20th anniversary of the Spitak earthquake, RA Prime Minister’s
commemorative medals were handed in to chief adviser of Hayk
air-carrier Seyran Vantzyan, commander of MI-8 helicopter Yurik
Gasparyan, pilot-instructor Rafik Mehrabyan, supervisor of Armavia
air-carrier directorate headquarters Mikhail Andreasyan, 2nd pilot
of A-319 Gegham Gabrielyan.

Commander of MI-8 helicopter Mushegh Antonyan, flight mechanics Garnik
Danielyan, Zhora Minasyan, Yosif Mikhailyan, commander of YAK-40 Ararat
Dallakyan, 2nd pilot Alexander Hovhannisyan and flight mechanic Zhora
Davtyan were rewarded posthumously.

Aviation veterans Vardkes Mnatzakanyan, Albert Jivaryan, Vardan
Asatryan, Khachatur Petikyan and Suren Vardanyan were presented with
RA Prime Minister’s letters of appreciation and valuable gifts.

Addressing the guests, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said "We
appreciate our airmen’s efforts and we cannot forget what they have
done over the past 20 years, including their participation in the
disaster zone rehabilitation works and their invaluable contribution
to the fight for Artsakh’s freedom. It is our duty to pay tribute to
our pilots. Today I would like to mention those who have participated
in the restoration of the disaster zone. Not long ago, we marked the
20th anniversary of the 1988 earthquake which claimed tens of thousands
of human lives. You may be aware that government commission had been
established to that effect under RA President Serzh Sargsyan’s high
patronage and any action is held under His high patronage, inclusive
of today’s meeting which is meant to appreciate the work done 20
years ago. We are well aware that you had to work under pressure
and it would have been unfair if the State had failed to reward our
pilots. Today I wish to thank you for your dedicated work."

In attendance of the meeting, public figure and publicist Zori Balayan
thanked the Prime Minister and the Government on behalf of the rewarded
airmen for such a high appreciation of our pilots’ efforts. He said
to have been a witness of those heroic deeds accomplished by our
pilots during both the Spitak earthquake and the victorious war of
Artsakh. "Everybody must endeavor towards perpetuating these feats
of arms for they are part of our people’s patrimony," he said.

In conclusion, once again Tigran Sargsyan thanked the guests for their
dedicated work and wished them a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas.

ARMENIAN PROSECUTOR GENERAL MEETS PACE CO-RAPPORTEURS

ArmInfo
2009-01-15 15:43:00

ArmInfo. Armenian Prosecutor General Agvan Hovsepyan met PACE
Monitoring Commission co-rapporteurs John Prescott and George
Colombier.

As press-service of Prosecutor General reported, over the meeting they
discussed in details the investigation course of the criminal case
on the fact of the mass disorders in Yerevan on 1-2 March as well as
the legal assessment of the actions made by the accused persons.

Prosecutor general said that in general 90 criminal cases regarding 11
people were directed to the courts. The investigation was made in the
reasonable terms and all the necessary conditions for human rights
respect were provided. The co-rapporteurs asked Hovsepyan to touch
on the "case of seven". The latter said the persons accused on this
case played the key part in organizing disorders, over which dozens
of cars were burnt and stores robbed, hundreds of people wounded
and 10 killed. He also explained that these persons were accused
not for murder but for organization of the mass disorders followed
by murders. He also added that the disorders and the rallies before
them cannot be considered as peaceful since the participants in them
were armed including with the metal bars. The customer and maker of
these metal constructions was disclosed.

A.Hovsepyan also gave some statistical data. According to him,
in course of the investigation criminal persecution and criminal
cases against 26 persons were suspended, 5 people were acquitted and
released in the court hall.

Speaking of the death of people as a result of application of special
means during March 1-2 incidents, the prosecutor general said that the
Prosecutor’s Office applied to a number of international organizations,
including the UN and OSCE Offices in Yerevan and US Embassy in Armenia
to clarify this issue, however, expert assistance was denied, this
being explained by the lack of such practice and experts. Written
contacts were established with an expert offered by CoE Commissioner
for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg. The required materials related to
the applied special means were sent to the expert, however, the latter
said that identification was impossible. As the press-release of the
Prosecutor General’s Office said, the investigation against the persons
under pre-trial arrest, has been completed. However, the investigation
on the main criminal case is still underway, measures are being taken
to detect other accessorial persons, make legal assessment of Police’s
actions, and find out all the circumstances of the ten people’s death.

CONSULTATIONS ON "HAYASTAN" FUND’S ACTIVITY IN ARTSAKH HELD AT NKR PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

armradio.am
13.01.2009 17:44

On 13 January NKR President Bako Sahakyan convoked a working
consultation on the activities to be carried out in the current year
by the "Hayastan" All-Armenian fund in Artsakh.

The Head of State expressed his satisfaction with the fact that
the fund’s office in Artsakh will start operating within a month,
considering it an important factor on the way of increasing
effectiveness and operation ability of the fund’s activities.

NKR Prime Minister Ara Haroutyunyan, Minister of Municipal Engineering
Anahit Vardanyan, representatives of the "Hayastan" All-Armenian fund
at the head of the acting Executive Director Ara Vardanyan partook
in the consultations.