ARMENIA ENJOYS SYMPATHY IN SWITZERLAND
Panorama.am
14:45 12/06/06
Today Swiss Federation Council Deputy Chairman, foreign minister
Michelin Kamli Rey stated in a joint press conference with Vartan
Oskanyan that Switzerland pays particular attention to South Caucasus,
moreover, he said that “Armenia has a big capital of sympathy in
Switzerland.”
The two ministers have signed today a treaty on exclusion of double
taxation between the two countries. This document will enable the
countries to deepen the dialogue between the two, focusing on economic
cooperation. Michelin Kamli Rey noted that the countries have started
political cooperation since 1988 when humanitarian assistance was
rendered to Armenia. Until today, Switzerland has rendered 28 mln
Swiss frank as humanitarian aid. Another 4 mln is planned for this
year. The Armenian community in Switzerland plays a key role in the
country, he said.
Switzerland has recognized and condemned the Armenian
genocide. Moreover, they have adopted a law which condemns those
who do not recognize it. Despite of this, the foreign minister said
that relations with Turkey are good but they become tense “from time
to time.”

MONUMENTS TO FAMOUS PEOPLE TO BE BUILT
Panorama.am
13:38 12/06/06
Yerevan municipality plans to erect monuments to famous people,
Samvel Danielyan, chief architecture told a briefing today. In his
words, a monument will be erected to famous Armenian freedom-fighter
in early 20th century Gevorg Chaush in Achapniak community – on the
crossroads of Mazmanyan and Bashinjaghyan streets.
Another monument to famous Armenian actor Mher Lazarian will be
erected in G. Sundukyan part. A tender for building the monument was
announced last year but no group took the first place. Projects that
won the second and third places should be further ellaborated.
Still another monument is planned near cinema house Hairenik to
Garegin Njdeh and one more will be built in the yards of a local
church dedicated to the victims of May 3 airliner crash.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MICHELINE CALMY-REY: SWITZERLAND HAS GREAT POTENTIAL OF SYMPATHY FOR ARMENIA
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 12 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Today the
Armenian-Swiss relations are developing dynamically in all
directions. A serious dialogue on the problems of the South Caucasian
region, on the Nagorno Karabakh problem and other issues is being
conducted between the two countries. This was mentioned at the June 12
joint press conference of Armenian and Swiss Foreign Ministers Vartan
Oskanian and Micheline Calmy-Rey in Yerevan. At the same time, both
Ministers pointed out that the level of the economic relations between
Armenia and Switzerland is inferior to the political relations between
the countries. According to Vartan Oskanian, there is a great potential
for development of bilateral relations in the sphere of economy and
at this meeting with his Swiss colleague the very development of
economic ties was accentuated, to which the agreement “On Avoiding
Double Taxation” signed today will contribute.
Vartan Oskanian expressed confidence that this visit of the
Swiss Foreign Minister will become a stimulus for development of
Armenian-Swiss relations. In her turn, Micheline Calmy-Rey mentioned
that the Swiss government renders assistance to Armenia in the
sphere of agriculture, in solution of the refugees’ problems, in
fighting natural calamities. At present Switzerland has already
allocated 28 mln Swiss francs to Armenia for implementation of
these programs. “Switzerland has a great potential of sympathy
for Armenia and we should consider in this context activity of our
public circles on drawing attention to Armenia and first of all to
the Armenian Genocide recognized by Switzerland,” Micheline Calmy-Rey
declared. According to her, Switzerland tries to provide assistance
in normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, true, it has given
no results yet. She also emphasized that Switzerland condemns the
destruction of 12 thousand khachkars (cross-stones) in Nakhichevan.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MEETING BETWEEN ARMENIAN AND AZERBAIJANI FOREIGN MINISTERS TO TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 13 IN PARIS
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 12 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. “Tomorrow, on June
13, I will meet with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadiarov
in Paris,” Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian informed at the
June 12 press conference.
According to the Minister, he is not informed in detail yet about
the format of this meeting. He again emphasized that the meeting of
Presidents Kocharian and Aliyev in Bucharest did not give any concrete
results. At the same time, according to the Minister, the Presidents
gave consent to the possible holding of the next meeting in case the
OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs agree to this.
Vartan Oskanian mentioned that he does not know tomorrow’s agenda
yet. He again pointed to the necessity of using the positive moments
in the negotiations process and possibilities for holding the future
meetings within the framework of the settlement of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RA FOREIGN MINISTER EMPHASIZES NECESSITY OF STRENGTHENING ARMENIAN-SWISS RELATIONS
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 12 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. There is a large-scale
and active dialogue between Armenia and Switzerland. Armenian Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian declared this on June 12, receiving the
delegation led by Head of Swiss Foreign Affairs Federal Department
(Minister) Micheline Calmy-Rey.
RA Foreign Minister touched upon the issue of strengthening the
bilateral relations for even more, especially in the economic,
cultural, humanitarian spheres. He expressed satisfaction with
the invitation of participation of the Armenian businessmen to the
Swiss Invest Forum that opened on June 12 in Zurich and expressed
confidence that it will be efficient. The interlocutors also touched
upon deepening of cooperation within the framework of international
organizations, especially emphasizing Switzerland’s new role in UN
as its full member and a newly-elected member of UN Human Rights
Council. Minister Oskanian emphasized Switzerland’s assistance to the
process of development and reforms in RA, in particular, mentioning
the involvement of the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency in some
programs (Tsakhkadzor Development Program) and expressed the hope that
the Swiss side will show an interest in the process of RA initiative
aimed at development of Armenian rural areas. The readiness of the
Swiss side to continue to initiate and implement various programs in
Armenia was mentioned, for which the Swiss government has allocated 4
mln Swiss francs this year. Speaking about activization of bilateral
economic relations, Mrs Micheline Calmy-Rey expressed confidence
that the agreement “On Avoiding Double Taxation” signed today between
Armenia and Switzerland will promote contacts among the two countries’
businessmen. Minister Oskanian briefly presented the current stages of
Nagorno Karabakh settlement, Armenian-Turkish relations, as well as the
fate of the khachkars (cross-stones) of Nor Jugha and the application
of Armenia to the international community in connection with this
issue, in particular, the official applications to the respective
sub-structures of CE, OSCE and UNESCO international organizations. As
Noyan Tapan was informed from RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information
Department, after the meeting the signing ceremony of the agreement
“On Avoiding Double Taxation” between RA and Switzerland took place,
which was followed by a joint press conference.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

80th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF QUEEN OF GREAT BRITAIN TO BE MARKED NEAR ZVARTNOTS TEMPLE
Noyan Tapan
Jun 12 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 12, NOYAN TAPAN. In connection with the birthday of queen
of Great Britain Elizabeth II, the Embassy of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Armenia is preparing an original
festivity. As Deputy Ambassador of Great Britain Richard Hyde informed
the journalists, on June 16 an open-air event will be held in the
territory adjoining the Zvartnots temple. Representatives of the
Armenian government, parliament, local self-government bodies, NGOs
and media are among the 500 invitees. The British culture and cuisine
will be presented at the event. For this purpose traditional British
dishes, apple wine and Scottish whisky will be brought to Armenia. The
Orchestra of Wind and Percussion Instruments of Royal Air Forces
will take part in the event. According to Deputy Ambassador Hyde,
this year queen Elizabeth II marks her 80th birth anniversary. Indeed
the queen was born on April 21 but officially her birthday is marked
on June 17, the day of her accession to the throne. This year the 54th
anniversary of the British queen’s accession to the throne is marked.

BULGARIAN PARLIAMENT CHAIRMAN SENDS CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO TIGRAN TOROSIAN ON OCCASION OF HIS ELECTION AS RA NA SPEAKER
Noyan Tapan
Jun 12 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 12, NOYAN TAPAN. Issues relating to strengthening
of interparliamentary relations were discussed at RA NA Speaker
Tigran Torosian’s June 12 meeting with Ambassador of Bulgaria to
Armenia Stefan Dimitrov. Stefan Dimitrov presented RA NA Speaker
the congratulatory message of Bulgarian Parliament Chirman Georgi
Pirinski on the occasion of his taking office as RA NA Speaker, and
his readiness to deepen cooperation between the two parliaments. The
issue of signing an agreement on cooperation between Armenian and
Bulgarian parliaments was also discussed. The agreement will become
a legal basis for development of contacts between the friendship
groups, standing committees, staffs of the two parliaments. As
Noyan Tapan was informed from RA NA Public Relations Department,
Tigran Torosian attached importance to the steps that will follow
the signing of the agreement, the concrete work both in the sphere of
interparliamentary relations and at the international structures. They
mutually considered as important deepening of bilateral contacts,
exchange of the legislative experience, solidarity and cooperation
between the parliaments of the two countries.

RA PRESIDENT HIGHLY ESTIMATES SWITZERLAND’S ASSISTANCE TO REFORMS IMPLEMENTED IN ARMENIA
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 12 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On June 12, the
delegation led by Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head (Minister) of the Swiss
Foreign Affairs Federal Department, was received by RA President
Robert Kocharian. The delegation is in Armenia on an official
visit. The President expressed satisfaction with the current level of
Armenian-Swiss relations. He highly estimated Switzerland’s assistance
to the process of reforms implemented in Armenia, mentioned the
involvement of the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency in some
programs. Robert Kocharian particularly touched upon the Tsakhkadzor
program attaching importance to it from point of view of development
of winter tourism and long-term development of Tsakhkadzor. The
Swiss Foreign Minister said that her country attentively follows
the developments in the South Caucasian region, especially being
interested in issues of stability, security and migration.
According to her, Armenia has a great capital of sympathy in
Switzerland, which is also thanks to the Swiss Armenians. Mentioning
that the indices in the economic sphere are rather modest, the sides
emphasized the necessity of more coordinated cooperation. In this
respect they attached importance to the agreement “On Avoiding Double
Taxation” signed between the two countries today, as well as to the
Swiss Invest Forum being held in these days in Zurich, to business
contacts. As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA President’s Press
Office, the interlocutors also estimated the cooperation between the
two countries within the framework of international organizations
as efficient.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RA FOREIGN MINISTER TO LEAVE FOR PARIS, THEN FOR BRUSSELS, KIEV, GENEVA AND TBILISI
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 12 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On June 13, RA Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian will leave for Paris where he will meet with
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadiarov with participation of
OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs. According to RA FM Press and Information
Department, on June 14, RA Foreign Minister will leave for Brussels
to take part in the meeting of the Northatlantic Council and Armenia
(26+1) format with RA Defence Minister Serge Sargsian, during which
the process of implementation of Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership
Actions Plan (IPAP) based on the results of the IPAP interim estimation
given by NATO international staff delegation on May 18-19 will be
discussed. On June 19, Minister Oskanian will pay an official visit
to Kiev where he will meet with the Ukrainian President and Foreign
Minister. On June 20-21, Minister Oskanian will be in Geneva for the
purpose of taking part in the opening sitting of UN Human Rights
Council. On June 27-28, RA Foreign Minister will pay an official
visit to Georgia.

NUMBER OF TOURISTS TO ARMENIA GROWS BY 15.3%, THOSE FROM ARMENIA BY 13.5% IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2006
Noyan Tapan
Jun 12 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 12, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-March 2006, 46,023
tourists visited Armenia against 39,907 in the same period of last
year. According to the RA National Statistical Service, during the
indicated period, 42,675 people left Armenia to travel abroad, which
is by 13.5% more than in January-March 2005.
The number of those who left Armenia through tourist organizations in
the period under review made 1,079 against 723 persons in the same
months of last year. According to information provided by hotels,
33% of tourists to Armenia in January-March 2006 were those from CIS
countries. During this period, 28 hotels received foreign tourists
against 32 hotels in the same period of last year. In the first
three months of this year, Armenian hotels and hotel facilities
accomodated 6,394 tourists compared with 7,157 in the same period of
last year. During the period under review, tourists from CIS countries
accounted for 33% of the total number of tourists who visited Armenia
and were registered in the country’s hotels and hotel facilities
against 41.5% in the first quarter of 2005. Their absolute number
declined by 29%, including a decline from 34% to 23.7% in the number
of tourists from Russia (a 37.7% decline in the absolute number),
while the number of tourists from Georgia grew from 5.8% to 6.4%
(a 1.2% decline in their absolute number). Tourists from EU countries
accounted for 27.4% of the total number of tourists to Armenia in
January-March 2006 (against 20.7% in the same months of last year),
while their absolute number grew by 18.4%. Out of 6,394 tourists who
were registered at Armenian hotels and hotel facilities in the first
quarter of this year, 36.3% or 2,321 ones visited Armenia on business
(compared with 3,180 tourists in the same period of last year),
22.1% or 1,414 – for pleasure, and the remaining number – for other
purposes. Out of 1,079 tourists who left Armenia for foreign countries
through tourists companies, 10.4% or 112 persons left on business
(116), 11.5% or 124 – for pleasure (196), and the remaining ones –
for other purposes.