Andranik Margaryan received the French Ambassador

ArmRadio.am
27.10.2006 15:08
October 27 RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan received the French
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Henry Cuny, who is
completing his diplomatic mission in our country.
The Prime Minister highly assessed the Ambassador’s cooperation with
RA Government and noted that during Mr. Cuny’s tenure in office
Armenian-French relations acquired a new quality, mutual visits on the
high level, as well as conduct of diverse events on the state level
greatly promoted the reinforcement and deepening of the friendship
between the two countries.
The Ambassador thanked for warm words and kind wishes and expressed
the hope that during his further visits he will see Armenia in a
better condition, in peace and stability, from which all the countries
of the region will benefit. He underlined, however, that it does not
depend on Armenia only and welcomed Armenia’s efforts to launch
dialogue with neighbors and stressed the importance of improvement of
relations with Turkey and opening of the borders.
Henry Cuny attached importance to the negotiation process on the
settlement of the Karabakh issue in the framework of the OSCE Minsk
Group and keeping the attention of the international community focused
on the question, which will become a certain guarantee of peace,
since, according to him, the international community will not tolerate
the resolution of the conflict in a military way.

ANCA: Richard Hoagland’s candidacy not acceptable for Armenia

ArmRadio.am
27.10.2006 15:42
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) continues voicing
its concern about Richard Hoagland’s appointment as new Ambassador to
Armenia. `We continue insisting on our position: it is certain that
Hoagland is not a proper candidate for Armenia, particularly for
denying the Armenian Genocide,’ ANCA Press Secretary Elizabeth
Chuljyan told `Armenpress.’ She added that they are waiting for the
next step after Senator Menendez’s block on Hoagland’s nomination.
`Certainly, the Department of State should decide what it should do
for the resolution of the question: to uphold the status quo, to
bypass the Senate and appoint Richard Hoagland, or what is more
acceptable, suggest a new candidacy,’ Elizabeth Chuljyan noted
Let us remind that September 12 US Senator, Democrat Bob Menendez
blocked Richard Hoagland’s confirmation as new Ambassador to Armenia.

RA Ambassador to Norway handed his credentials to King Herald 5th

ArmRadio.am
27.10.2006 17:17
October 26 RA Ambassador to Norway Ara Ayvazian handed his credentials
to Herald 5th King of Norway.
During the meeting the parties expressed appreciation for trends and
prospects of development of bilateral relations. Special reference was
made to numerous expressions of friendly relations between Armenia and
Norway.
At the request of the King of Norway, Ambassador Ara Ayvazian
presented the political and economic situation in Armenia and the
relations with neighboring countries.
The parties underlined the importance of development of the dialogue
of civilizations as an important means for reinforcement of
international stability and security.

Democrats expected to win in US Congressional elections

ArmRadio.am
27.10.2006 16:57
`If Democrats win in the upcoming Senate and House elections, then
most probably, Nancy Pelosi, known for her pro-Armenian position ever
since 1986, will be elected Chairman of the Senate of 110th
convocation.’ Press Secretary of the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA) told `Armenpress.’ She added that in case of victory of
the Republicans Denis Hustert, who has been constantly blocking the
vote on the Armenian Genocide, may keep his office.
Chuljian added that preference is not given to the Democrats; the
choice depends on the position of this or that candidate.
Nevertheless, in case of equal conditions preference will be given to
Democrats. ANCA has already declared the names of 16 Senate and 196
House pro-Ammonia candidates, the majority of which are
Democrats. ANCA has also sent questionnaires to over 1000 candidates
to find out their position on the Armenian issues.
The American Armenian community has been urged to vote for those
candidates who have always supported the pro-Armenian resolution of
questions like the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Javakhk issue,
recognition of the Armenian Genocide, reinforcement of US-Armenia
relations, lifting of the blockade of Armenia by Azerbaijan and
Turkey.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azerbaijan lays claim to Armenian lands

ArmRadio.am
27.10.2006 17:32
Up to now not only Armenians but also the rest of the world was
confident that Garni, Geghard and Haghartsin are Armenian
cultural-historical monuments.
However, this year in the international book fair in Frankfurt
Azerbaijan informed that the above-mentioned are Azerbaijani
monuments, President of the ` Antares’ Holding Armen Martirosyan
declared today. Part of the Azerbaijani books presented at the
exhibition were dedicated to Armenian places of interest.
The map of Armenia was depicted on the second page of the book. The
imagination of Azeris was not restricted to his. They published and
presented another book titled `Karabakh,’ which pictured not only
Nagorno Karabakh and its cultural monuments, but also the liberated
territories.

October 27, 2006
PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: <; PRELATE TO CONDUCT HOLY MASS AND PRESIDE OVER CELEBRATIONS ON THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. GREGORY CHURCH On the afternoon of Friday, October 27, 2006, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, departed for San Francisco to join the Pastor, Board of Trustees, Ladies Association, and parishioners in celebrating the 40th anniversary of St. Gregory Church. The festivities will begin with dinner on Friday evening at the Saroyan Hall of the Khachaturian Armenian Community Center, and continue with a gathering organized by the Ladies Association at the same hall on Saturday. On Sunday, the Prelate will conduct Holy Mass and deliver his sermon at St. Gregory Church. On Monday morning, the Prelate will visit Krouzian-Zakarian-Vasbouragan School, where the students have organized a performance in honor of Armenian Cultural month, following which he will meet with the school principal and staff. PRELATE ATTENDS RECEPTION IN SUPPORT OF SENATOR CHUCK POOCHIGIAN On the evening of Thursday, October 26, a private reception and dinner, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Kosti and Marion Shirvanian, took place in support of Senator Chuck Poochigian's campaign for Attorney General of California. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, was in attendance to offer the invocation. The evening began with welcoming remarks by Kosti Shirvanian, who greeted the guests and welcomed special guest and keynote speaker the Honorable Governor George Deukmejian. The emcee of the evening was former District Attorney of Los Angeles County Robert Philibosian. RELATE REPRESENTED AT THE AGBU SYMPOSIUM On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, a one-day symposium will take place at USC on Saturday, October 28. Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will represent the Prelate. PRELATE CONVEYS HIS BLESSINGS TO THE ARMENIAN SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES On the evening of Saturday, October 28, the Armenian Society of Los Angeles will celebrate its 50th anniversary at Brandview Collection in Glendale. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian will represent the Prelate and present his letter of blessing and best wishes.

Conference on `New Threats and Global Challenges in the 21st Century’ to be
held in Armenia

ArmRadio.am
27.10.2006 17:45
October 31 an international conference on `New Threats and Global
Challenges in the 21st Century’ will open in the Yerevan State
University. 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.

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Oct 27 2006
ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT PAY HOMAGE TO MEMORY OF OCT 27 VICTIMS
YEREVAN, October 27. /ARKA/. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan and
Government members paid homage to the memory of the victims of the
terrorist act committed at the RA Parliament on October 27, 1999.
On the occasion of the 7th anniversary of the tragedy, the RA
Government member visited the “Yerablur” pantheon to pay homage to
the statesmen that fell victim to the terrorist act – Speaker Karen
Demirchyan, Vice-Speakers Yuri Bakhshyan and Ruben Miroyan, Minister
Leonard Petrosyan, the Parliament members Armenak Armenakyan, Henrik
Abramyan and Mikael Kotanyan.
Six terrorists – Nairi Hunanyan, Karen Hunanyan, Vram Galstyan,
Derenik Bejanyan, Edik Grigoryan and Ashot Knyazyan were sentenced to
life imprisonment. Hamlet Stepanyan was sentenced to 14 years of
imprisonment. P.T. -0–

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Oct 27 2006
VTB BANK ARMENIA PLANS TO BECOME LEADER IN RENDERING RETAIL SERVICES
YEREVAN, October 27. /ARKA/.The VTB Bank Armenia intends to become an
absolute leader in rendering individual services in the country,
Senior vice-President Vasily Titov told reporters.
“This is one of the priority tasks,” he said.
According to Titov, the Armenian bank has a large branch network
throughout Armenia. “I am sure that the task of retail development
and project funding will be accomplished,” he said.
Titov also pointed out that the issue of replenishing the bank’s
capital is not on the agenda now, because the VTB Bank Armenia has
all means of accomplishing its tasks.
On September 8, 2001, the RA Government made a decision on the
privatization of the Armsavingsbank by means of a direct sale to the
ARCH Limited consortium (Bahamas) and ÌIKA Armenia Trading.
Early in 2003, the stock was transferred to the ÌIKA Armenia Trading,
and in March 2004, in Yerevan, a contract was signed for the purchase
of 70% of the “Armsavingsbank” shares by the Russian VTB.
The authorized capital of the “VTB Bank Armenia” CJSC is currently
7,526.2mln, assets AMD 14.7bln or $109.4mln (on September 30, 2006),
total capital AMD 9.1bln ($23.9mln). In January-September 2006, the
bank’s profit amounted to AMD 493.4mln ($1.3mln), and the balance
profit AMD 1.2bln ($3.1mln).
The VTB Bank Armenia is among the leaders as to the main indicators.
Specifically, it has the 4th largest assets, 5th largest volume of
individual crediting, 2nd largest volume of crediting legal entities,
3rd largest volume of funds attracted from clients and the amount of
individual fixed deposits, 2nd largest amount of individual call
deposits. As regards the total capital, the bank has the 4th largest
capital, and the 2nd largest authorized capital.($1 – AMD 379.84).
P.T. –0–

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Oct 27 2006
VTB BANK ARMENIA TO DEVELOP AS UNIVERSAL BANK
YEREVAN, October 27. /ARKA/. The “VBT Armenia Bank” will develop as a
universal bank, Senior Vice-President, VTB Board member Vasily Titov
told a press conference.
“This development of the Armenian bank of extreme importance, and we
hope it will be successful,” he said. Titov added that to encourage
this process the VTB intends to increase the capital basis.
He stressed that the VTB attaches paramount importance to the
establishment of banks similar to the VTB Armenia in the post-Soviet
area and is consistently working in this direction.
Titov also reported that before the end of 2006 the VTB plans to make
decisions on the opening of banks in Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova,
Kyrghyztstan and Uzbekistan.
“The banks will form a network, which will enhance the efficiency of
all operations,” he said.
In his turn, Alexander Vardanov, Board Chairman, VTB Armenia, pointed
out that the bank has its worthy place on Armenia’s market of banking
services and services almost all Armenian-Russian operations.
Vardanov reported that the bank is actively working with both
individual and corporate clients, including companies working in the
energy, gas-supply and mining sectors.
“The bank is actively working with individuals, issuing mortgage and
car credits, and intends to expand its activities,” Vardanov said.
On September 8, 2001, the RA Government made a decision on the
privatization of the Armsavingsbank by means of a direct sale to the
ARCH Limited consortium (Bahamas) and ÌIKA Armenia Trading.
Early in 2003, the stock was transferred to the ÌIKA Armenia Trading,
and in March 2004, in Yerevan, a contract was signed for the purchase
of 70% of the “Armsavingsbank” shares by the Russian VTB.
The authorized capital of the “VTB Bank Armenia” CJSC is currently
7,526.2mln, assets AMD 14.7bln or $109.4mln (on September 30, 2006),
total capital AMD 9.1bln ($23.9mln). In January-September 2006, the
bank’s profit amounted to AMD 493.4mln ($1.3mln), and the balance
profit AMD 1.2bln ($3.1mln).
The VTB Bank Armenia is among the leaders as to the main indicators.
Specifically, it has the 4th largest assets, 5th largest volume of
individual crediting, 2nd largest volume of crediting legal entities,
3rd largest volume of funds attracted from clients and the amount of
individual fixed deposits, 2nd largest amount of individual call
deposits. As regards the total capital, the bank has the 4th largest
capital, and the 2nd largest authorized capital.($1 – AMD 379.84).
P.T. –0–