EU COUNTRIES’ 53.9% SHARE IN DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN ARMENIA IN 2003 INCREASES TO 76.5% IN 2005
Noyan Tapan
Oct 31 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 31, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-August 2006, European
Union (EU) countries accounted for 36.9% of Armenia’s foreign
trade. 50.8% of goods exported from Armenia was exported to EU
countries. In the indicated period, EU countries accounted for
30.6% of Armenia’s imports. The RA Minister of Trade and Economic
Development Karen Chshmaritian presented this data during the October
31 press conference, noting that the EU is the most active trade
partner of Armenia. According to him, in 2001-2005, the average
annual share of the EU in Armenia’s foreign trade made up 36.9%,
its share in the country’s exports – 37.3%, in imports – 32.3%. In
the same period, the companies of EU countries accounted for 42.6%
of foreign investments in Armenia, their share in direct investments
over this period amounting to 49.9%. In 2003, EU countries accounted
for 53.9% of the direct foreign investments in Armenia, while in 2005 –
for 76.5%. K. Chshmaritian said that in 2005, foreign investments in
Armenia amounted to 400 million USD, investments of EU countries’
companies – to 215 million USD, 187 million of which was direct
investment. According to the minister’s forecasts, in 2006, the total
amount of investments in Armenia will grow by about 20%. The minister
noted that Greece is in first place by the amount of investments in
Armenia in 2005, followed by Germany and France.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

INVESTMENTS OF RUSSIAN COMPANIES IN ARMENIA WILL GROW, ARMENIAN MINISTER OF TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSURES
Noyan Tapan
Oct 31 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 31, NOYAN TAPAN. In 1991-2005, Russia was in first
place in terms of foreign investments made in Armenia. The RA Minister
of Trade and Economic Development Karen Chshmaritian stated this
at the October 31 press conference. As for the concern at the small
amount of Russian companies’ investments in Armenia that the Russian
President Vladimir Putin expressed on October 30, K. Chshmaritian said
that this concern is related only to the data of 2005. In 1991-2005,
Russian companies have invested about 400 million USD in Armenia. This
is equal to the total amount of foreign investments in Armenia in 2005.

NEW LIBRARY INAUGURATED AT ARF BUREAU OFFICE
Yerkir
31.10.2006 17:09
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – A library named after Armenian Revolutionary
Federation figure Hrayr Marukhian was inaugurated on October 30 at
the ARF Bureau office in Yerevan.
The ceremony was attended by members of the ARF Bureau, ARF chapters
from Armenia, Artsakh and other countries.
ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian and Hrayr Marukhian’s widow
Anahit inaugurated the new library.
In his remarks, ARF Bureau member Albert Achemian said that Marukhian
was both a skilful political figure and intellectual. “He was a great
fan of books and a great reader,” Achemian said.
Achemian also said that ARF Bureau has decided to bring a copy of the
ARF archives to Armenia using modern technology as well as bring the
items kept at the ARF’s Paris museum to Armenia.
The newly established library began to operate in March on the basis
of the books brought to Armenia from Athens. Later, books were also
brought from the ARF office in Lebanon, making the library complete.
Currently, the library contains full collection of many ARF
publications, including the Droshak copies published between 1890
and 1904.
The library has about 5,000 books currently.
ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian said that the library would
be very useful not only for the ARF members but also for all those
who may use the books of the library for their studies.
Shaghik Marukhian, Hrayr Marukhian’s daughter, said that the library
would be helpful especially for the young people who are engaged in
political and social sciences.
“As for the emotional value of the library, I have to say that the
party was the first family of my father, and it is natural that all
his books have been returned to the party,” Marukhian said.

ARAM KHACHATRYAN’S STATUE TO BE OPENED IN MOSCOW
ArmRadio.am
31.10.2006 10:38
The opening ceremony of Aram Khachatryan’s statue will be held in
Moscow today. The event will be attended by the Mayor of Moscow
Yuri Luzhkov and the Armenian delegation headed by President Robert
Kocharyan. The monument was erected near the House of Composers.

CONFERENCE ON “NEW THREATS AND GLOBAL CHALLENGES IN THE 21ST CENTURY” TO BE HELD IN ARMENIA
ArmRadio.am
31.10.2006 10:43
An international conference on “New Threats and Global Challenges in
the 21st Century” will open in the Yerevan State University today. The
event is timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Byurakan
Astrophysical Observatory, therefore the second day of the conference
will be held in Byurakan.
The international conference will provide a theoretical overview of
new threats and global challenges of the 21st century; the methods
and measures for Armenia to adequately and effectively confront them
and the new threats and global challenges of the 21st century within
the context of the OSCE area. The main objective of this effort is
to carry this conference forward and to leverage this event as an
impetus for greater and continued co-operation.
Scientists, researchers and academia representatives from the USA,
Europe, Southern Caucasus and Armenia will participate in the event.
The event is organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan in co-operation
with the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia.

GEORGY PETROSYAN: NKR APPROACHES REGARDING THE KARABAKH SETTLEMENT UNCHANGED
ArmRadio.am
31.10.2006 12:00
The approaches of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic regarding the conflict
settlement have not changed, NKR Foreign Minister Georgy Petrosyan told
” Armenpress.”
The Minister refused to make any predictions about the terms of
settlement of the Karabakh conflict. “Nagorno Karabakh stands for
the rapid resolution of the conflict and establishment of friendly
relations with Azerbaijan, as a guarantee of stability and development
in the region,” Georgy Petrosyan said.
He is confident that only the peace that guarantees the security of
the conflicting parties, freedom and dignity will be enduring.
In response to the question whether it is possible to agree upon
the pivotal issues of settlement in the current year, the Foreign
Minister said that the year 2006 was full of optimistic statements
and predictions about the Karabakh conflict settlement, which,
unfortunately, do not correspond to the real state of negotiations,
which resulted in certain disappointment.

THIRD FORUM ON “MASS MEDIA AS BUSINESS” TO BE HELD IN TBILISI
ArmRadio.am
31.10.2006 14:36
November 2 the third forum of South Caucasian mass media on “Mass
media as business” will be held in the “Sheraton Metechi Palace”
Hotel of Tbilisi. It has been organized by the OSCE representation
in Georgia. Editors and media managers from Georgia, Azerbaijan and
Armenia will participate in the conference.

ELMAR MAMMADYAROV: INCLUSION OF THE “FROZEN CONFLICTS” ISSUE IN UN AGENDA VERY IMPORTANT
ArmRadio.am
31.10.2006 14:48
Inclusion of the issue of “frozen conflicts” in UN General
Assembly agenda is very important, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister
Elmar Mammadyarov told the journalists, “Trend” agency reports. He
noted the “the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is considered “frozen” and
will be discuused November 4 at the UN General Assembly siting.” “By
September 2007 the decision of the General Assembly will be known,”
the Minister said.
Mammadyarov informed also that the question will be discussed with
the Foreign Minister of Georgia, who arrived in Azerbaijan today.
From: Baghdasarian

TBILISI TO HOST FESTIVAL OF DOCUMENTARIES
ArmRadio.am
31.10.2006 15:28
Early December festival of documentaries of South Caucasian countries
will be held in Tbilisi. The event is aimed to activate the cooperation
of cinematographers of the South Caucasus. Organizers of the festival
told “Trend” agency the films will focus on the following topics:
man against nature, the hero of our time, cultural complacency
and globalization. Directors aged 16-27 from Armenia, Georgia and
Azerbaijan can participate in the competition.
The subtitles must be in English or Russian. Professional education
is not compulsory. Authors of the three best films will be awarded
prizes worth 250, 150 and 100 Euros. A seminar dedicated to documentary
films will be held in the framework of the festival.

WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR HOLDING FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS?
ArmRadio.am
31.10.2006 17:21
“For holding free and fair elections it is necessary for the
authorities and the opposition to demonstrate adequate political
will, people should be active and must realize the importance of the
elections,” MP, President of the National Democratic Party Shavarsh
Kocharyan said during the discussions of the Electoral code. He added
that only the amended Electoral Code cannot guarantee the conduct of
proper elections.
According to Shavarsh Kocharyan, one of the basic approaches that
can promote the conduct of fair elections is the application of
proportional election system.
The Deputy considers that the mechanism of formation of electoral
commissions is also very important. In his words, the commissions must
include an equal number of authority and opposition representatives.
“Generally the whole election process must be transparent. Observers
must have equal rights with commission members,” he noted.