Mechael Weinstein: in 2006 European Bank for Reconstruction and Deve

Emil Lazarian

AZG Armenian Daily #132, 15/07/2006
Economic Cooperation
MICHAEL WEINSTEIN: IN 2006 EUROPEAN BANK FOR
RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT TO DOUBLE CREDIT
ALLOCATIONS FOR ARMENIA
In 2006, the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development will allocate EURO 40 million of credit to
Armenia, against EURO 20 million allocated last year.
Michael Weinstein, Head of EBRD Office in Yerevan,
stated at today’s press conference.
He said that till now, excluding the $28 millions of
credit allocated for the renovation works of
“Zvartnots” airport, the bank has allocated additional
EURO 28 million for implementation of 9 new projects.
Earlier, ERBD had allocated 11 new projects in the
private sector of Armenia.
Armenia began cooperating with EBRD in 1992. As of
June 2006, the volume of the allocated credits made
EURO 102 million.
By Ara Martirosian
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

[iso-8859-1] Hezbollah Leader Declared "Full-Scale War" to Israel

Emil Lazarian

Hezbollah Leader Declared “Full-Scale War” to Israel
PanARMENIAN.Net
15.07.2006 13:12 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah
Lebanese radical grouping, has promised a “full-scale war” to
Israel. He said, “You wanted open war, you will get it.” He also
emphasized, “neither rules, nor agreements are in effect any more,”
reports EuroNews. This statement followed after Arab TV channels
broadcasting the Israeli aircraft bombing of Hezbollah headquarters
in Beirut past Friday.
After the air attack Hezbollah supporters erected their flag on
handrails of a bridge situated near the headquarters and also destroyed
by Israelis. Some 70 persons on the Lebanese side and over 10 on the
Israeli one fell victim of the conflict, which broke out 3 days ago.
Israel had launched a military operation after fighters of Hezbollah,
which controls south Lebanon, kidnapped two Israeli soldiers. Israeli
PM Ehud Olmert viewed this act as declaration of war. Israeli aircraft,
battleships and artillery have bombed Beirut international airport
and two military airdromes, bridges and roads in the south of Lebanon,
military objects of Hezbollah. Lebanon is practically fully isolated.

G8 Summit Opened in St. Petersburg Today

Hambardsumian Paul

G8 Summit Opened in St. Petersburg Today
PanARMENIAN.Net
15.07.2006 13:24 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ G8 Summit opens in St. Petersburg today. For the
first time Russia leads the forum. Ensuring global energy security
will be a major subject at the summit.
A comprehensive document on energy security issues will be adopted at
the summit. It will be composed of two parts – a political statement
and an action plan.
According to many observers, matters of current international policy,
specifically Middle East situation, can also be a core question,
though these were not on the agenda initially.
Urgent international issues like struggle against terrorism,
non-proliferation, conflict settlement, as well as development of world
economy and finance, international trade, environment protection will
also be considered.
As reported before the G8 summit may also discuss settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Besides, according to reports, Armenian
and Azeri Presidents may meet within the summit, however the hearsay
was not confirmed.

Armenia 132nd on Happy Planet Index

Nargizian David

Armenia 132nd on Happy Planet Index
PanARMENIAN.Net
15.07.2006 13:46 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ New Economics Foundation research center has made
public the Happy Planet Index. Economic, environmental and medical
criteria, as well as results of public surveys were taken into account
when drawing the Index. It turned out that life is the happiest in
Vanuatu. The top ten includes Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic,
Panama, Cuba, Honduras, Guatemala, Salvador, as well as Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines.
The US is only the 150th in the list, while China is 31st, Brazil –
65th, Italy – 68th, Iran – 69th, UK – 108th, Israel – 119th (it is
interesting that life in Palestine is much happier), France – 131st.
Among post-soviet countries people live happier in Kyrgyzstan (19th
position), while Tajikistan is 25th, Uzbekistan – 60th, Georgia –
103rd, Azerbaijan – 107th, Kazakhstan – 127th, Armenia – 132nd,
Moldova – 149th, Lithuania – 151st, Latvia – 160th, Belarus – 165th,
Turkmenistan – 169th, Russia – 172nd, Estonia – 173rd, Ukraine –
174th. Living is most horrible in Zimbabwe (178th place).
The Index authors note that Central America residents enjoy their
lives to the utmost. Another significant factor, which has impact
on the level of happiness, is living on an island state, reports
Washington ProFile.

OSCE MG Co-Chairs to Hold Consultations in Paris in August

Nahapetian Zhanna

OSCE MG Co-Chairs to Hold Consultations in Paris in August
PanARMENIAN.Net
15.07.2006 14:35 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Co-Chairs of the OSCE MG for settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict intend to hold next consultations in Paris,
said Azeri FM Elmar Mammadyarov. In his words, in Turkey he will meet
with OSCE MG US Co-Chair Matthew Bryza, who reported his intention
to visit Yerevan and Baku in late July – early August.
During Bryza’s visit situation will be analyzed and opportunity of
progress in the talks will be considered. “The American diplomat has
a number of proposals. However, the question of the next meeting at
the level of FMs of Armenia and Azerbaijan is still open. It will
be considered during Bryza’s regional visit,” Mammadyarov said,
reports Trend.

Armenian Citizens Being Evacuated from Lebanon

Jagharian Tania

Armenian Citizens Being Evacuated from Lebanon
PanARMENIAN.Net
15.07.2006 15:46 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ According to the data of July 15, there are
no Armenian citizens among population, who suffered from Israeli
aircraft bombings of Beirut, Acting Spokesperson of the Armenian MFA
Vladimir Karapetyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. In his words,
several dozens of Armenian citizens are in Lebanon at present. “The
main goal of the Armenian Embassy in Beirut is to secure Armenian
citizens. The Armenian Embassy in Lebanon takes all measures to
evacuate Armenian citizens. They should be transported to Aleppo,
Syria, and then to Armenia,” Karapetyan remarked.

Gunshots become Regular in Yerevan

Chatinian Lara

GUNSHOTS BECOME REGULAR IN YEREVAN
Panorama.am
22:57 14/07/06
It seems that you will not surprise anyone with outrageous criminal
acts committed in broad daylight in Yerevan. The impression is that the
law enforcement bodies have gone on vacation to plant trees, fish or
get acquainted with the menu of some newly opened restaurant while the
criminals have got card blanche. So, they open fire here and there.
Another gunshot is reported at Malatia Sebastia community on July 13
at about 7.20 p.m. General prosecutor’s sources say “unknown people
have opened gunfire with an intention to kill on Armen Novikov who
was driving Vaz -21101 type care with US 461 state numbers. Novikov
was kidnapped after serious wounds.
He was taken to Armenia medical center by unknown people later that
day at about 8.30 p.m. where he underwent operation. A criminal case
is instituted into the incident. Witnesses say the criminals introduced
themselves as national security service and asked not to interfere.
The investigation services have discovered the identity of one of the
criminals being Yerevan resident L. Ghazaryan. He is now under search.
So, arm yourself with patience! The most important thing – do not
go out of your houses, do not go to shops, do not stand at the bus
stops, even do not look out of windows. Is there any guarantee that
you will not fall victim of a “blind shot” opened in gunfire between
two criminal groups? No guarantee!/Panorama.am/

French and German Producers Awarded with Golden Apricot Prize

Tavakalian Edgar

FRENCH AND GERMAN PRODUCERS AWARDED WITH GOLDEN APRICOT PRIZE
Panorama.am
14:11 15/07/06
Renowned French film producer of Armenian decent Serj Avetikyan is
awarded with Golden Apricot prize. The award was granted for his
film “Return”. Avetikyan has worked on the film about 18 years. The
organizers of the festival say not only the film presents the Armenian
history and traditions to the world but also brings new impressions
about foreign countries to Armenia.
Also, German producer Andreas Drezen was awarded for his film
“Summer in Berlin.” The film is about the struggle for survival of
two women. Drezen has said he has never seen friendlier nation in
the world speaking about Armenia.
Note: the closing of the third international film festival Golden
Apricot will take place late today at Moscow Theater. 92 films from
58 countries were shown during the festival. The festival hosted
renowned figures of cinematography from about 10 countries, including
Russian, Canada, France, USA, Spain, Germany, Chili, Belgium, Turkey
and Italy./Panorama.am/