TURKISH – FRENCH ECONOMIC RELATIONS
Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006
ANKARA – Turkey’s share in France’s overall exports was only 1.3
percent last year, said economy bureaucrats a day before the French
parliament debates a resolution that makes denial of the so-called
Armenian genocide allegations a crime.
According to economy bureaucrats, France had 5.2 percent share in
Turkey’s overall exports.
Turkey imported French products worth 5.8 billion USD last year,
while it earned 3.7 billion USD from its exports.
524 French companies are working in automotive, food, insurance,
banking, retail and fuel oil industries in Turkey.
French insurance firm “Groupama” bought 41 percent of Turkish “Basak
Emeklilik” (private retirement) last May.
On the other hand, Renault has a big automotive factory in Turkey.
Automobiles produced in Turkey are exported to European and
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.
Turkish Ekonomi Bankasi (TEB) Mali Yatirimlar Corp. (Financial
Investments) signed a partnership agreement with BNP Paribas on
February 10, 2005. Thus, BNP Paribas had a share in TEB Yatirim
(investment), TEB Leasing, TEB Factoring, TEB Sigorta (insurance),
TEB Portfoy Yonetimi (portfolio management) and TEB NV.
-RETAIL INDUSTRY-
Meanwhile, French retail firm Carrefour cooperated with Sabanci
Holding in 1996, and has 470 markets in Turkey. CarrefourSA employs
7,500 people in Turkey.
Lafarge is another French company functioning in cement industry in
Turkey. It had a 350 million Euro turnover, and employed 1,500 people
in Turkey in 2005.
French Danone firm has investments in dairy products and potable
water industries in Turkey.
Elf and Total (oil companies), Sodexho Pass (catering), Citroen
and Peugeot (automotive), L’oreal (cosmetics) are the other French
companies investing in Turkey.

IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE TO BE PUT INTO OPERATION IN LATE 2006, RA ENERGY MINISTER ASSURES
Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. The Iran-Armenia gas pipeline will
be put into operation this year, the RA Minister of Energy Armen
Movsisian stated in the parliament on October 25. According to him,
the gas pipeline’s construction was to be completed in March 2007,
but by mutual consent with the Iranian side it was decided to finish
the construction work this year. Responding to reporters’ questions,
the RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian denied the rumors about
transferring the Irna-Armenia gas pipeline to Russia. “We are not
speaking about sale,” he noted. In his words, Armenia may make an
investment in the authorized capital, or do so jointly with Russia. He
said that ArmRusgazprom is already operating in the country, it would
be logical to create two gas distribution networks simultaneously. “If
we succeed in putting the pipe under pressure and receiving gas,
discussions will be more precise,” A. Margarian noted. He assured
that the Iranian side is also informed about any negotiation on the
gas pipeline with the Russian side.

MADISON MUSIC PROJECT — SARA YERVAND
Kristian Knutsen
Isthmus Daily Page, WI
Oct 25 2006
Today’s highlighted Madison musician is Sara Yervand.
An increasingly visible and esteemed presence in jazz circles around
Madison and beyond, Sara Yervand is regularly described by listeners
as an accomplished jazz vocalist. She performs regularly at both club
gigs and jazz festivals throughout the year, including the Isthmus
Jazz Festival and Jazz at Five.
Yervand’s biographical self-description provide more details about
her music and its sources:
Sara Yervand (former Erzinkian) was born in Armenia, and began to
sing jazz, pop and Armenian folk music at the age of 15. She made
many stage performances in Armenia, European countries, including
Paris (live appearance on a TV show Sacree Soiree), Vienna (where
she lived for 3 years), Montreal, Zagreb (Yugoslavia) and others. Her
recordings with National Pop-Symphonic Orchestra of TV and Radio of
Armenia under direction of conductor and composer Yervand Yerznkyan
are outstanding. Sara Yervand and her son David moved to U.S. 10 years
ago where they started a life anew. She has a Masters in Musicology
and recently earned a MBA degree at Cardinal Stritch University. She
lives, works and sings jazz professionally in Madison, WI. She teaches
music and sings at Jazz Festivals and regional events.
The singer released Introducing Sara Yervand in 2005, a ten-track album
that featured the accompaniment of some of the city’s most seasoned
instrumentalists. The album was reviewed by Isthmus music writer Tom
Laskin, who wrote, “Yervand’s voice offer most of the excitement and
the surprises here in winning, often very playful performances that
at times seem drawn from an intimate club gig.”
Another review from All About Jazz also favorably appraises the album.
Some of Yervand’s recordings are available for listening online.
Three are featured on her MySpace page: “It’s all right with…,” “Love
for Sale,” and “Lush Life.” There’s much more information — including
music, photos and a list of past gigs — available at sarayervand.com.
There are many chances to listen to Yervand sing live over the
next couple of months. She performs regularly on Thursday evenings
at Fyfe’s Corner Bistro on East Washington Avenue; upcoming dates
include Oct. 26, Nov. 2, and Nov. 9. Guitarist Sly Raymond performed
with Yervand at Fyfe’s back in July, and gave high marks both for
the vocalist and the venue:
Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of sharing their modest stage with
the superb local singer Sara Yervand. This girl knows her stuff,
and exudes the confidence of a real pro. I’ve played with so-called
Jazz Vocalists before, and there has usually been a major adjustment
on my part; but performing in a duo with Sara was as comfortable
as the duo gigs I’ve played with saxophonist Jason Goldsmith. Her
interpretation is like that of an instrumentalist. I look forward to
our next gig together.
Yervand is also making two appearances this weekend at the Olive
Lounge in the downtown Hilton by Monona Terrace. On Friday, Oct. 27,
she will be performing with Doug Brown, while on Saturday, Oct. 28
Yervand is appearing with Paul Hastil. There is no cover either
night. Yervand’s appearances through the end of the year will take
her to Cocoliquot and The Bar at the Concourse, after which summer
festival season will already be approaching.
ticle.php?article=4585

NEGATIVE BALANCE OF MIGRATION IN ARMENIA DURING 9 MONTHS OF 2006 GROWS 10% COMPARED WITH SAME PERIOD OF TIME OF PREVIOUS YEAR
Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. The negative balance of migration
in Armenia during the 9 months of 2006 made 37.3 thousand people
what is 3.4 thousand people or 10% more of the index of the same
period of time of the previous year. During the current year positive
balance of migration was fixed in June, July and September, making,
correspondingly, 7682, 6457 and 639 people. As the Noyan Tapan
correspondent was informed by Gagik Yeganian, the Chief of the
Migration Agency of the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration,
the negative balance of migration has reduced year by year since 2002,
and positive balance was fixed in 2004-2005. G.Yeganian also informed
that volumes of passengers’ flow grow year by year. The total volume
of passengers’ flow made 1396.6 thousand people in January-September
of the current year what made 145.5 thousand or 11.6% more compared
with the same period of time of the previous year.

ARMENIA, MAYBE, NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN 2007 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF WRESTLING TO BE HELD IN BAKU
Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. Trainers of the juvenile, youth
and national teams of free-style wrestling presented reports on
October 24 at the RA Sports State Committee. Armenian wretslers’
competitions-performances were given satisfatory estimations:
representatives of Armenia won 4 medals of different colours at
the Europe and world championships. Speech of Yuri Alexanian, the
Chairman of the Sports Journalists’ Federation of Armenia, the Press
Secretary of the Sports State Committee, caused active discussion. It
was mentioned during the discussion that purposeful works are not
done in marzes, arsenal of juvenile and young wrestlers’ technical
means is poor and that’s why they are poor in tactical issues. In
the consequence of all these, the national team is completed with
badward wrestlers. There are serious ommissions in the organization
issues as well. The Republican Wrestling Federation does not inform in
time departments of marzes about changes of competition regulations,
refereeing issues of programs, etc. Mikayel Ispirian, the Deputy
Chairman of the Sport State Committee summed up results of the
consultation. He attached importance to the issue of participation
in the 2008 Olympic Games to be held in Berjing. It was mentioned
that the 2007 world championship will be held in Baku, in which,
in most probability, Armenia will not be able to participate.

ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES HAVE PROBLEMS WITH RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES, NOR ZHAMANAKNER PARTY LEADER DECLARES
Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. “The goal of the Armenian ruling
clique is to retain power at any price and this idee fixe dominates
over everything.
However, this circumstance can lead to complication of both home
and foreign situation for Armenia.” Aram Karapetian, Chairman of
the Nor Zhamanakner (New Times) Party, declared at the October 25
press conference. Dwelling upon characteristics of Armenian-Russian
relations, he expressed disagreement to the opinion of some media
that the statement of RF State Duma Deputy Konstantin Zatulin
about necessity of Armenia’s choosing between Russia and Georgia
was sanctioned by the Kremlin. In A.Karapetian’s words, the Armenian
authorities have problems with the Russian authorities. In his opinion,
Robert Kocharian’s visit to Moscow can be explained by Nagorno Karabakh
problem’s topicality.
Besides, A.Karapetian did not exclude that the course of Iran-Armenia
gas pipeline construction can be discussed in Moscow. “Redistribution
of power does not mean strategic partnership and striking of this
or that bargain is the basis of Armenian-Russian relations today,”
A.Karapetian declared. He said that Armenia should not intervene in
complicated relations between RF and Georgia.
A.Karapetian considers that Armenia should do everything possible for
preserving normal relations with these two countries. A.Karapetian said
that public hearings organized by the Nor Zhamanakner Party are to take
place on October 26. The hearings will be dedicated to the reasons of
the A-320 plane’s accident. In his words, the reasons of this tragedy
are surrounded by various rumors due to lack of information. The
Nor Zhamanakner Party is going to apply to the country’s President,
Prosecutor General, RA National Security Service and National Security
Council for explanations.

UN ARMENIAN OFFICE SENDS MESSAGE OF CULTURAL VARIETY TO CHILDREN
Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. On October 25, UN Armenian Office
celebrated UN Day sending children UN family’s message of cultural
variety. “This concert gives an excellent opportunity to speak with
children about UN family and to show them variety of cultures existing
in the world through traditional dances and various national songs,”
UN Resident Representative Consuelo Vidal said in her speech. As Noyan
Tapan was informed from UN Armeian Office, the concert was organized
for 300 children, among which there were children of orphanages,
boarding schools, as well as disabled children.” Children of Sofi
Devoyan’s Spirit and Dance Theater, as well as International Charity
Fund after Spivakov performed at the concert. Parallel with showing the
talent of Armenian children, the concert also had the goal to inform
children about UN and its role of promoting peace and tolerance in
the whole world. “It is children who should succeed us in the future
and we want them to know that UN with its variety is the family where
there is room for everybody,” C.Vidal said.

MEMORANDUM OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING SIGNED BETWEEN UNDP AND HAYASTAN ALL ARMENIAN FUND
Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. A memorandum of mutual understanding
was signed between UNDP and Hayastan All Armenian Fund on October
25, by which the sides express readiness to cooperate within the
framework of programs aimed at poverty reduction in rural populated
areas. As UNDP Resident Representative to Armenia, Consuelo Vidal
said, reduction of rural poverty is the subject of anxiety of both
RA government and UN. In her words, UNDP has worked out development
plans of 20 border villages. Currently work is being done on providing
financial assistance for these programs. “We are convinced that we
will be able to achieve great results thanks to uniting our efforts
with the Hayastan All Armenian Fund and the whole Diaspora,” C.Vidal
said. Fund’s Executive Director, Naira Melkumian said that rural
communities development programs, in which local authorities will also
take part, will seriously improve the situation in the regions. She
informed that the Fund’s all local structures and Diasporan benefactors
are interested in implementation of these programs. It was also
mentioned that the Hayastan All Armenian Fund implemented programs
amounting to 160 mln USD during 14 years, including construction of
220 km roads, 130 km water lines, 36 schools, 3 electric conductivity
stations, 210 residential houses and 14 health institutions.

930 FAMILY DOCTORS AND NURSES OF SAME NUMBER TO UNDERGO TRAINING IN ARMENIA TILL 2009
Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. 320 family doctors and 440 family
nurses work at present in offices of family medicine of Armenia,
rural out-patient’s clinics and urban polyclinics. Development
of family medicine is one of important components of the four-year
credit program of 25.5 mln U.S. dollars on modernization of the health
care system. 7.1 mln U.S. dollars were allocated for it according to
the agreement signed between the RA Government and the World Bank in
2004. As Samvel Hovhannisian, the Chairman of the Armenian Association
of Family Doctors informed the Noyan Tapan correspondent, the program
envisages to train till 2009 other 930 doctors and nurses of same
number, correspondingly, according to 12-month and 6-month education
programs. In his words, family medicine chairs were created still
in 1998 at the Yerevan Mkhitar Heratsi State Medical University,
National Health Care Institute and Medical Fulcrum College. It was
also mentioned that work conditions of family doctors will be improved
by the program: 14 rural out-patient’s clinics will be restored and
5 ones will be built, and medical equipment and accessories will be
given to 150 out-patient’s clinics.

ARMENIANS MUST SHOW BALANCED APPROACH IN ISSUE OF RUSSIAN-GEORGIAN RELATIONS, POLITICIAN LEVON MELIK-SHAHNAZARIAN BELIEVES
Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006
YEREVAN, OCTYOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian press presents
the Russian-Georgian relations only with two colours: black and
white: the published articles are of either strictly pro-Russian
and anti-Georgian or strictly pro-Georgian and anti-Russian
character. Politician Levon Melik-Shahnazarian expressed such an
opinion at the October 25 meeting with journalists. In his words,
it is necessary to show in this issue a more balanced approach as
“Georgians will always remain our neighbours and Russia will always
be our strategic ally.” In the politician’s opinion, Armenia’s moral
interference in the Russian-Georgian relations must be aimed to calm
them down as much as it is possible, and direct interference must
be limited only by protection of interests of Armenians living in
those two countries. Reminding that the Russian military refuge will
soon be moved from Javakh, L.Melik-Shahnazarian mentioned: “If NATO
member Turkey’s military units are suddenly placed there, then the
Armenian army must be in Javakhk earlier.” Otherwise, in his words,
if Armenia does not strive for protecting Armenians living there,
the meaning of its being an independent, sovereign country will be
lost. L.Melik-Shahnazarian emphasized that he does not call on war,
but is sure that as soon as the Turkish army appeares in Javakhk,
danger of war and, consequently, of displacing Armenians from Javakhk,
will arise.