PROFIT TAX COLLECTION GROWS BY 44.5% IN ARMENIA IN JANUARY-OCTOBER 2006 COMPARED WITH SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Dec 05 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-October 2006, 18.8%
of the RA state budget’s tax revenues was secured at the expense
of profit tax revenues that amounted to over 53.6 bln drams (about
126 mln USD). According to the RA Ministry of Finance and Economy,
profit tax revenues grew by 44.5% or 16.5 bln drams on the same period
of last year. A growth in profit tax paid by non-state organizations
and non-residents was registered. The amount of profit tax from other
sources also grew on the first ten months of last year, except for
payments from state enterprises. In January-October 2006, the RA state
budget’s income tax revenues made 27.7 bln drams, which exceeds by
35.1% or 7.2 bln drams the respective index of 2005. The main sources
of this growth were incomes from salaries, and execution of labor
and civil-legal agreements.

EU URGES ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN TO ACHIEVE PROGRESS WITHOUT HESITATION

ArmRadio.am
05.12.2006 14:48

The European Union is inspired with the active dialogue between
Armenia and Azerbaijan directed at the settlement of the conflict,
Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja said at the OSCE Ministerial
meeting, Mediamax reports.

"The European Union welcomes the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chairs directed at the resolution of the Karabakh conflict. The EU
is inspired with the active dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We
call on the parties to use the opportunity and achieve progress
without hesitation. We welcome the successes of the OSCE ad hoc
mission, which visited the areas that suffered of fire," added the
Foreign Minister of Finland.

The Foreign Minister of Romania Mikhay-Ravzan Ungurianu also referred
to the issue of the OSCE mission’s visit. He said in particular that
"Romania welcomes the efforts directed at the restoration of trust
between the two parties.

" "The work of the OSCE mission in Nagorno Karabakh and adjacent
territories was an effective initiative, and now this experience
should be used," said the Romanian FM.

In his speech Erkki Tuomioja expressed appreciation for the
ratification of the Action plans with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
in the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy.

"We hope that the accomplishment of the Action Plan will endorse the
reinforcement of stability in the region and will strengthen EU’s
ties with the three countries of the South Caucasus," declared the
Finnish Minister.

The Chairman of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Goran Lenmarker
declared in his speech that there is a "golden" opportunity for
the settlement of the Karabakh conflict and expressed hope that the
parties will use it.

CUSTOM DUTY COLLECTION GROWS BY 11.2% IN ARMENIA IN JANUARY-OCTOBER 2006 ON SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Dec 05 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-October 2006, the RA
state budget’s customs duty revenues made 14.5 bln darms, exceeding
by 11.2% or 1.5 bln drams (about 3.5 mln USD) the respective index
of 2005. According to the RA Ministry of Finance and Economy, in the
first ten months of 2006, fixed payments from certain types of activity
amounted to 12.3 bln drams, exceeding by 17.8% or about 1.9 bln darms
the respective index of last year. The growth is mainly conditioned by
an increase in payments for gasoline filling, transport activity and
organization of public catering and trade facilities. In the period
under review, the state budget’s simplified tax revenues made 6.2
bln drams, growing by 12.1% or 670.8 mln drams on the same period of
last year mostly due to an increase in revenues from trade. During
the first ten months of this year, the budgetary revenues from other
taxes made over 9.8 bln drams.

Particularly, nature use and environmental protection payments amounted
to 5.6 bln drams and road payments – to 2.1 bln drams. Other taxes
grew by 30% or about 2.3 bln drams on the same months of last year,
which was mainly due to an increase in nature use payments and fines
for violation of the tax legislation.

IN OPINION OF RA DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER, NO DEVELOPMENT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT PUBLIC CONSENT

Noyan Tapan
Dec 05 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. "The process of joining the European
Union in many respects depends on the public and demands much efforts
from it."

Ambassador of Poland to Armenia Tomasz Knothe declared this at the
December 5 press conference dedicated to the process of Armenia’s
integration to European structures and Poland’s experience in the issue
of joining the European Union. He said that almost all political forces
of Poland and the prevailing majority of the country’s public held
the same opinion in the issue of Poland’s membership to EU and this
factor became one of the most important ones in the process of Poland’s
joining EU. In the Ambassador’s words, the process of joining EU is not
limited to negotiations between the authorities of this or that country
and Brussels: the whole public is involved into the process. "The
issue is not solved at the level of the authorities, nothing will
be achieved without the involvement of the whole public," T.Knothe
said. In this respect he drew a special attention to the process of
bringing a legislation of this or that country in correspondence with
the European one. Another participant of the press conference, RA
Deputy Foreign Minister Armen Baibourtian agreed to this opinion. "No
development of the European integration process is possible without
the public consent." The Deputy Minister said that both Armenia’s
geographical position on the crossroad on the West and the East and
its centuries-old cooperation with both Europe and Asia left a lasting
impression on the consciousness of the Armenian people. Besides,
as A.Baibourtian estimated, strong influence of European values on
the Armenian people is explained with presence of Armenian colonies
in different European countries. He said that participation in the
New European Neighborhood Policy should not be considered as a way to
the European Union: participation in this program gives no guarantees
for joining EU. Meanwhile, in his words, each country cooperates with
EU within the framework of the New European Neighborhood program and
passes a path of reforms in this context.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

STATE DUTY COLLECTION GROWS BY 11.6% IN ARMENIA IN JANUARY-OCTOBER 2006 ON SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Dec 05 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-October 2006, the RA
state budget’s state duty revenues made 16.1 bln drams (about 37.9
mln USD), which ensured 85.4% of the annual program on state duty
collection. According to the RA Ministry of Finance and Economy,
the total amount of state duties grew by 11.6% or 1.7 bln drams on
the same period of 2005, which was mainly conditioned by an increase
in revenues from consulate services and state registration activity,
payments for provision of legal documents to natural persons and
payments from licensing of activities. In January-October 2006, non-tax
revenues of the state budget made 27.7 bln drams, exceeding by 51.5%
the programmed annual index, which was mostly due to the payment made
for the right to conduct negotiations as a result of privatization of
the Zanagezur Copper and Molybdenum Plant CJSC. Non-tax revenues grew
by 10.2% on the same period of last year. It is noteworthy that funds
of extrabudgetary accounts opened by the decision of the RA government
for state institutions were included in non-tax revenues. In the first
ten months of 2006, the budgetary revenues from capital operations
made about 12.4 bln drams, 11.1 bln drams of which was received from
alienation of lands representing state property and 1.3 bln drams –
from sale of fixed assets. Revenues from capital operations secured
94.2% of the programmed annual index.

RA STATE BUDGETARY EXPENDITURES INCREASE BY 18% IN JANUARY-OCTOBER 2006 ON SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Dec 05 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-October 2006, expenditures
of over 354.4 bln drams (about 833.5 mln USD), which was 76.9% of the
annual program of expenditures, were made at the expense of the RA
state budget resources. 77.4% of the allocated funds was directed for
financing of current expenditures, 18.9% – of capital expenditures,
and 3.7% – for net crediting.

According to the RA Ministry of Finance and Economy, budgetary
expenditures grew by 18% or 54.1 bln drams on the same period of
last year. This growth in expenditures was mainly conditioned by an
increase in capital expenditures, transfers and expenses on salaries
and purchase of services.

VARDAN OSKANIAN: WHETHER SOLUTION IS LONG-TERM WILL DEPEND ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH PEOPLE’S STATUS AND SECURITY

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Dec 5 2006

"No one is so eager to achieve the long-lasting resolution of the
Karabakh issue as we are. The Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents’
last meeting has inspired us with hope that we may reach agreement
even on the disputable principles. If the solution will be long-term
will depend on the Nagorno-Karabakh people’s status and security",
stated RA FM Vardan Oskanian December 4, speaking at the sitting of
the OSCE Council of Foreign Ministers held in Brussels.

According to the information DE FACTO got at the RA MFA Press Service,
RA FM reminded the conflict had begun when the Nagorno-Karabakh
people’s security had been endangered. According to Vardan Oskanian,
the issues being discussed at the talks are the attempt to satisfy
the Nagorno-Karabakh people’s right to self-determination, at the
same time eliminating the conflict’s consequences.

Armenian Foreign Minister said a referendum on the Draft Constitution
would be held in the Nagorno-Karabakh in a few days. "For the last
15 years the political institutions have been established in the
Nagorno-Karabakh, power has been formed via elections, the legal
filed is developing. They realize the necessity of the Principal
Law and recognize that the general voting is the only way of its
adoption", noted Armenian Foreign Minister. In his words, Azerbaijan’s
allegations that the referendum’s conduct will hamper the talks are
far from reality. "The real obstacle is their intolerable reaction
to the democratic processes in Karabakh, their refusal to involve
the Nagorno-Karabakh in the talks, repeated militarist appeals and
efforts to avoid the negotiation process under the aegis of the OSCE
Minsk group", Armenia’s FM underscored.

ARMENIAN-AMERICAN ACTIVISTS LED FINAL MARCH TO US CAPITOL

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Dec 5 2006

After walking cross-country for four months from Los Angeles
to Washington, a group of Armenian-American activists who formed
Journey for Humanity led a final march to the United States Capitol
this month. According to the information DE FACTO received at the
Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), along with Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny, the group had met with the Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI)
to discuss their 3,000 mile journey and efforts to advance the cause
of genocide prevention as well as honor the victims and survivors of
all genocidal acts.

"I commend the dedication of these six Armenian students, as well as
the Armenian Assembly for their efforts in raising public awareness
and affirmation of these crimes against humanity," said Pallone and
Knollenberg. "Awareness and education are the keys to prevention".

While in Washington, the group also participated in a panel discussion
hosted by the George Washington University Armenian Student’s
Network. The event was cosponsored by Georgetown University Armenian
Student’s Association, Students Taking Action Now for Darfur (STAND),
Progressive Student Union, Hillel and the Armenian Assembly.

In addition to Journey for Humanity, featured speakers included Lisa
Rogoff of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Jana El-Horr of the
American Islamic Congress, Julia Fitzpatrick of Citizens for Global
Solutions and Martha Heinemann-Bixby of the Save Darfur Coalition.

"I applaud the entire Journey for Humanity team for their courageous
spirit," said Ardouny. "It is heartening to see this group of
thoughtful, civic-minded individuals devote their time and energy to
raising awareness of the need to remember and learn not only about
the Armenian Genocide, but all genocides in order to prevent future
occurrences".

Journey for Humanity’s next step is to create a speakers bureau
which will travel to universities, middle schools and high schools
to discuss genocide prevention.

NKR SECURITY COUNCIL DISCUSSED CURRENT STAGE OF KARABAKH TALKS

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Dec 5 2006

December 4 the NKR Security Council sitting was held in Stepanakert.

The sitting was presided over by the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic
President Arkady Ghoukassian.

According to the information DE FACTO got at the NKR President’s
Administration, in the course of the sitting Arkady Ghoukassian
granted a hearing to the situation along the NKR and Azeri Armed
Forces’ contact line. Then the state’s head acquainted those present
with the outcomes of the meetings held during his visit to the U. S.
Arkady Ghoukassian highly estimated the Diaspora’s participation in the
TV marathon targeted at fund raising for the implementation of Hayastan
All-Armenian Fund’s program on the restoration and development of the
NKR Hadrut region. The Nagorno-Karabakh President noted, in part,
that the TV marathon’s results again testified to the Armenians’
belief in the future of Artsakh and its people.

Then the sitting’s participants discussed the issues included in the
agenda. In part, they considered the Karabakh talks and the preparatory
works on the referendum on the NKR Draft Constitution.

The interlocutors exchanged opinions on the NKR Draft State Budget
for 2007 elaborated by the government.

Familiarizing himself with the current issues and the work carried
out by the government, the NKR President gave corresponding orders.

ARRESTED WORDS: PEN ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES IMPRISONED WRITERS
By Jacquelyn Salam

Asharq Alawsat, UK
Dec 5 2006

Toronto, Asharq Al Awsat – Where do the poems and stories that
exist in the minds of imprisoned writers go when they are deprived
of reading and writing tools and are delivered into the hands of the
executioner and subjected to barbaric modern torture devices? Is the
suffering experienced by all prisoners and the stories and poems that
spring from it universally alike in the same way that the agendas
and practices of dictatorship governments are similar?

Perhaps if we were to leaf through the memoirs of any prisoner, both
men and women, on the occasion of the Day of the Imprisoned Writers
as designated by PEN to be the 15th November, where the Writers in
Prison Committee of International PEN marked the 26th Writers in
Prison Day with a campaign that centers around defending over 100
writers and journalists worldwide who are imprisoned or facing charges
for alleged libel. The occasion was celebrated in the 144 different
branches of the PEN association located in 101 different countries.

Nigerian Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka was present and read excerpts
from his work. He said during an interview that in 1988, years after
his release from prison, that, "I was in solitary confinement for 22
months for a total period of more than two years. I understood the fact
that it was an attempt to break my mind. Books and all means of writing
were held from me, I persisted in trying to find human interaction."

The Syrian poet, Faraj Bayrakdar, who is the winner of the
Hellman-Hammett Award in 1998 and the American PEN Freedom-to-Write
Award in 1999, said in an interview with the Oman-based ‘Nazwa’
magazine, that "it hadn’t been long since my imprisonment that
I began to discover poetry as a flash of light in the darkness,
and justice in the face of tyranny, and love in the face of hate. I
started writing in memory, as there were no pens or paper. Years later,
they moved us to Sydnaya prison where I was able to reveal the poetry
in my memories and the memories of my friends to transcribe it onto
paper…later, I learned from my late friend, Jameel Hatmal, that he,
in collaboration with others managed to get hold of the first few
and they published them."

Other writers recognized included, Hrant Dink, the Turkish editor of
an Armenian-language newspaper who is still pending trial; Wesenseged
Gebrekidan, the imprisoned Ethiopian journalist; Lydia Cacho, the
Mexican writer who is still on trial for defamation; Yang Xiaoqing,
the internet journalist from China who is sentenced to one year in
prison, and the two Egyptians, editor and journalist respectively,
Ibrahim Issa and Sahar Zaki who are both sentenced to a year for
‘insulting’ the Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak.

Yet despite all forms of repression, we still hear and read about how
prisoners can ‘reinvent’ ink and paper and still manage to transcribe
their words, set them free and release them into the world. David
Cozac, the Canadian PEN representative who is also the head and
coordinator of the Writers in Exile Network in Canada, gave a speech
in which he highlighted the role and goals of the Canadian branch
of PEN and its role in organizing continuous campaigns that can help
liberate the words and opinions of imprisoned writers everywhere.

In the tradition of the PEN Association, there was a vacant seat in
the hall in honor and memory of an absent imprisoned writer. This
particular seat was dedicated to Chinese writer U Win Tin, from
Myanmar, who is 76-years-old and has already spent one-fifth of his
life in prison for his peaceful opposition to the ruling military
authorities, and his contributions to the defense of human rights and
freedom of expression. First arrested in July 1989, he is not granted
any rights in prison and does not receive proper medical attention or
visitation rights, which is why the Canadian PEN Association issued
a petition demanding his immediate release.

Additionally, women writers from around the world read passages from
their writings, books and autobiographies in what was a reflection
of their personal experiences in Canada and in their native countries.

Jacquelyn Salam read pages from her book ‘Autumn Shedding Berry Leaves’
and a text that includes a dialogue with an ex-prisoner.

The Day of the Imprisoned Writer also took the opportunity to
commemorate writers and journalists who were killed in the past year,
including the late Russian journalist, Anna Politkovskaya whose
death caused PEN centers worldwide to protest, hold vigils and send
appeals to the Russian authorities demanding a proper investigation,
also sending condolences to her family and colleagues. In total, 37
writers had been killed since November 15 of last year, with Iraq,
Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Russia ranking the highest
among the most dangerous countries.