PHOTO REPORTER OF THE CAUCASIAN INSTITUTION OF MASS MEDIA (CIMM)
AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE AT THE ‘PRESS PHOTO’ COMPETITION
YEREVAN, MARCH 22. ARMINFO. The head of the CIMM (Caucasian
Institution Of Mass Media) Photography Department Ruben Mangasarian
was recognized the best on the ‘Press Photo’ competition, March 17.
The CIMM report that over 5 thousand works were represented on the
event. In 5 nominations 15 photographers from Iraq, Poland, Britain,
China, Austria and Armenia were awarded. The festive ceremony of
handing the prizes will be held on May 9, Warszawa.

SUDDEN TURNAROUND IN PRICE OF GAS
X-Sender: Asbed Bedrossian
X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 — ListProcessor(tm) by CREN
Lragir/am
23 March 06

New and interesting episodes are coming along in reference to the
price of gas. On March 22 Serge Sargsyan, Secretary of the Council of
National Security, Co-chair of the Russian-Armenian Intergovernmental
Committee, made an interesting statement. He mentioned that since the
meeting of the presidents of Armenia and Russia in Moscow considerable
work has been done with regard to the price of gas.
`After consulting the prime minister on the instruction of the head of
state in early March, I sent a letter to the head of Gasprom
Mr. Miller with definite proposals. On Friday we received an answer
from Mr. Miller that the leadership of Gasprom is willing to sign
agreements by the end of March, which will allow to sell gas to people
and producers at much lower prices than foreseen,’ announced Serge
Sargsyan.
Serge Sargsyan declined to mention an exact price. He simply said that
in his opinion the increased price will not have an impact on their
budgets. This statement of the defense minister would, of course,
encourage people and producers, but the problem is that the Public
Utilities Commission has already set the price of gas for these
consumers. Hence, since April 10 they will have to pay twice as much
for one cubic meter as they pay now. Whereas, the announcement of the
minister of defense allows to suppose that the Public Utilities
Commission hurried to accept the bid of Hayrusgasard. But the minister
of defense does not think so. He believes that the Public Utilities
Commission acted in accordance with the law. `That is, the law could
not be violated,’ said Serge Sargsyan.

ABKHAZIAN RAILROAD IS EXPENSIVE
Lragir/am
23 March 06
The reconstruction of the Abkhazian railroad will cost 150-200 million
dollars, told Member of Parliament Volodya Badalyan to journalists on
March 22, who represents Armenia in the four-party consortium on the
reconstruction of the Abkhazian railroad. `I think the reconstruction
of the railroad will cost 150-200 million dollars, but this is an
approximate figure,’ said the member of parliament, informed the news
agency ARKA. Volodya Badalyan said the high cost is determined by mine
clearance, three ruined bridges, as well as the reconstruction of
140-150 km of railroad. The Armenian member of parliament said Russia
can cover 50 per cent of the expenses, Georgia 30 per cent, Armenia
and Abkhazia 10 per cent each.

THIRTY-SEVEN HOUSES FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES
Lragir/am
23 March 06

According to the news agency ARKA, in the framework of the Charity
Building Program of Catholicos Garegin II thirty-seven apartments will
be built for homeless families in Armenia, informed the Armenian
Habitat. In the press release of the company it is stated that the aim
of the project is to assist in solving the problem of the homeless,
and it is implemented by the Armenian Habitat and the Armenian
Apostolic Church, under the auspices of Catholicos Garegin II. The
program includes building houses in the region of
Gegharkunik. Particularly, 24 houses will be built in the town of
Gavar, Gegharkunik region.

FIRST SECTION OF IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE WILL OPEN IN DECEMBER
Lragir/am
23 March 06

The news agency ARKA informs that the first section of the
Iran-Armenia gas pipeline can be operated in December 2006. Levon
Vardanyan, the head of the Department of Technical Development and
Public Relations, the Ministry of Energy, informed the agency about
this.
He pointed out the high rates of the construction of the gas
pipeline. `Although it had been planned to finish in late December
2006, now we will be able to finish the 40 km section running through
Armenia in early December,’ said Levon Vardanyan. He mentioned that
presently the construction of the second section of the pipeline
running from Kadjaran to Ararat is being prepared. Levon Vardanyan
said agreement was reached with Iran, and now details are worked out
to sign the contract.

Due to the `Armenia `a land of Eternity’ film Armenia will become
known to the whole world
ArmRadio
23.03.2006 16:28
A documentary, picturing Armenia in four seasons of the year will be
presented to the audience in winter.
`Due to the film Armenian culture, history and nature will become
known to the whole world,’ the authors assure.
The film will be presented in three languages and will be accompanied
with Armenian duduk.
Director of the `Armenia ` a land of Eternity’ film Alen
Melik-Grigoryan assures that in 52 minutes modern Armenia will be
introduced.

A quadrilateral consortium will carry out the reconstruction of the
Abkhazian railway
ArmRadio
23.03.2006 17:11
Let’s separate political and economic issues: based on this principle,
an agreement has been reached between Russian, Georgia, Abkhazia and
Armenia to reconstruct the Abkhazian railway.
A quadrilateral consortium has been created to carry out the
reconstruction works. The sitting of the consortium will be held early
April in Yerevan.
Armenian co-chair of the newly created consortium Vladimir Badalyan
told `Radiolur’ correspondent that for two years the efforts of
Armenian-Russian and Armenian-Georgian business cooperation have been
directed at separating the political and economic issues. The question
first of all refers to complex Georgian-Abkhazian relations. It is
known that Tbilisi was considering the return of Georgian refugees to
Gali region of Abkhazia a precondition for reoperating the Abkhazian
railway. In fact, after their return it became possible to start the
talks.
The creation of the consortium allows to hope that the Abkhazian
railway will be reoperated, which will become a powerful impulse for
the economic development in the country. The economic blockade of
Armenia will be broken with 60-70 percent. Transportation of
passengers and cargoes will get easier. Railway communication will be
established not only with Russia but also with Europe. Many experts
confirm that the reoperation of the Abkhazian railway will bring new
approaches in Armenian-Turkish relations: keeping the border close by
the Turkish side will become senseless.

Serj Sarkisian embezzled state’s $650.000 dollars
/APA/
[ 22 Mar. 2006 19:43 ]
Armenia’s defense minister Serj Sarkisian’s abnormal way of life, his
appointing unprofessional persons from Azerbaijan’s Nagorno Garabagh
province increased dissatisfaction in the professional staff of the
Armenian defense ministry (APA).
The defense ministry officer named Martiros Avakyan (Armenian press
writes this name is unconfirmed) told Armenian media that Serj
Sarkisian spends all nights in gambling casinos in Yerevan, and he
even takes immoral women he keeps under impact of narcotic drugs to
the administrative building of the defense ministry.
The minister, who is usually in hangover, goes to work afternoon and
stay only for few hours in the office. The Armenian officer also
announced that Sarkisian embezzled the state property. He said that
Sarkisian misappropriated $250 thousand, which was collected by Syrian
Armenians by head of Armenian bishopric in Damascus, Archbishop Gnel
Jerejyan and transferred to the defense ministry. In addition,
Armenian defense minister embezzled $400 thousand, which was presented
by Egia Kilagbyan on behalf of Armenian mkhitarist (religion man)
order in St.Lazarus Island, Italy.
The Armenian officer also said Sarkisian invested the corrupt
allocations as capitals outside Armenia. According to him, Sarkisian
together with a businessman named Gena, who is from Aghjakand
(Shaumyan) region of Nagorno Garabagh, built a trade center `Erevan
Plaza’ in the center of Moscow. The Armenia’s defense ministry
officers explain Sarkisian’s investing capitals outside the country by
his being sure that he will be dismissed from his post soon./APA/

THE HERMITAGE DIRECTOR: MUCH HAS CHANGED IN YEREVAN, BUT THE CITY HAS
NOT LOST ITS APPEARANCE AND STYLE
YEREVABN, MARCH 23. ARMINFO. President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan met
with Director of the Russian State Museum “The Hermitage,” a
member-correspondent of the RF National Academy of Sciences,
specialist in Oriental Studies, Mikhail Piotrovsky, Thursday.
The Presidential press-service reports M. Piotrovsky as expressing
pleasure with his regular visits to his native city where he grew up
and lived. Since his last visit 15 years ago, much has changed in
Yerevan, “but the city has not lost its appearance and style, it is
still a city of museums.” He emphasized the importance of the
cooperation of Russian and Armenian museums. M. Piotrovsky believes
the constant contacts, scientific conference, exchange of experience
to allow a more regulated work and the best presentation of the
Armenian culture. Given the success of the exhibition “The Treasures
of Etchmiadzin” at The Hermitage within the frames of the Year of
Armenia in Russia, a hall “Urartu” is to open at the end of the year
at the museum, M. Ptiorovsky said.

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
MARCH 17-23, 2006
HIGHLIGHTS:
YEREVAN PRESS CLUB: ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2005
MEDIA DIALOGUE: ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2005
“PRESS CLUB+”: ANM ABOUT KARABAGH SETTLEMENT AND ELECTIONS
ATTEMPTS FOR EVICTING “A1+” CONTINUE
NEW LEGAL INITIATIVES
PUBLIC TV SUGGESTS RECONSIDERING RELATIONS WITH THE PARLIAMENT
“PRESS PHOTO” AWARD FOR ARMENIAN PHOTOJOURNALIST
YEREVAN PRESS CLUB: ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2005
In compliance with Article 12, “Transparency of Financial Sources”, of RA
Law “On Mass Communication”, we present the 2005 financial report of Yerevan
Press Club Weekly Newsletter and the website
In 2005, a total of 7,254,912 AMD was spent for the publication of YPC
Weekly Newsletter and the support of the website in the
English and Russian languages.
The whole sum was covered by a grant provided by Open Society Institute
Assistance Foundation-Armenia.
MEDIA DIALOGUE: ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2005
In compliance with Article 12, “Transparency of Financial Sources”, of RA
Law “On Mass Communication”, we present the 2005 financial report of “Media
Dialogue” Weekly Newsletter and the website
In 2005, a total of 9,834,736.23 AMD was spent for the publication of “Media
Dialogue” Weekly Newsletter and the support of the website
in the Armenian, English and Russian languages.
The whole sum was covered by the grant provided by Open Society Institute
Network Media Program.
“PRESS CLUB+”: ANM ABOUT KARABAGH SETTLEMENT AND ELECTIONS
On March 21 third “Press Club+” talk show went on “Yerkir Media” TV evening
air.
The guests of Aram Abrahamian, program host, Chief Editor of “Aravot” daily,
were leaders of Armenian National Movement. As experts, representatives of
media and NGOs were invited. The TV discussion was on the prospects of
settling the Mountainous Karabagh issue, and electoral processes in Armenia.
It is planned that next Tuesday, March 28, 21.00, “Yerkir Media” will air
second issue of “Press Club” cycle (see YPC Weekly Newsletter, February
17-23, 2006), with representatives of media and journalistic associations of
Armenia expressing their opinion on hot issues coverage.
ATTEMPTS FOR EVICTING “A1+” CONTINUE
On March 16 by the end of the working day, the editorial office of “A1+” TV
company was visited by the representatives of RA Compulsory Execution
Service. In compliance with the court ruling, they demanded to vacate the
premises used by “A1+” at one of the buildings of the capital until 12.00
next day (March 17). As it has been reported, “A1+” has rented these rooms
from RA National Academy of Sciences since 1992. However, in 2004 the latter
raised the issue of evicting “A1+” and in 2005 filed a suit to RA Economic
Court. On April 11, 2005 the suit was secured, and founder of “A1+”,
“Meltex” LLC, challenged this ruling at RA Court of Cassation, which left it
unchanged on May 26, 2005. According to Director of “A1+” Mesrop Movsesian,
the refusal to vacate the premises was conditioned by National Academy’s
violation of existing financial agreements. On July 20, 2005 National
Academy again demanded to vacate the premises within a week. On the same
day, Director of the TV company sent a letter to RA Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian to contribute to the prolongation of the rental agreement with the
Academy. The request said in particular that left without the office, “A1+”
will have to suspend the work of “Ayb-Feh” weekly, “A1+” website, higher
courses of TV journalism and “Hamaspyur” network, uniting 11 regional TV
companies. In response to the letter, the Prime Minister addressed the
Department of the State Property Management of the RA Government to consider
the possibility of giving the TV company new premises (see YPC Weekly
Newsletter, August 25 – September 1, 2005).
The imminent threat of “A1+” appearing in the street since March 17 raised
the protest of several media, journalistic and human rights organizations.
The latter expressed willingness to support the TV company. As Mesrop
Movsesian told YPC, the intervention of the Prime Minister prevented
eviction of “A1+”. In subsequent days, RA Department of the State Property
Management offered a new location to the TV company, which is in need of
capital repairing, as Mesrop Movsesian stated. Therefore, the issue of
moving the TV company to the new building is still open.
Meanwhile, “Azg” daily (March 23, 2006) informs that answering the questions
of the journalists on March 22 at RA National Assembly, the Prime Minister
noted that the government kept its promise and offered premises to “A1+”. It
is now up to “A1+” to decide, Andranik Margarian stressed.

NEW LEGAL INITIATIVES

At the four-day session of RA National Assembly, held on March 20-23, the
draft law on introducing amendments to RA Law “On Advertising” was
presented. The initiator of the amendments is RA Health Ministry. The
amendments refer to advertising in media and outside advertising of
medication, medical equipment and treatment methods.
In particular, it is proposed that the advertising of medication in
broadcast and print media be accompanied by obligatory mentioning of the
number and date of issuing of the certificate of state registration in the
Republic of Armenia, as well as the number and date of the authorization
issued by the Health Ministry. The amendments foresee a ban on advertising
of medication controlled, issued by prescription and not registered in
Armenia. Besides, it is proposed to prohibit outside advertising of the
medication.
In compliance with the draft law, the number and date of issuing
authorization from the Ministry of Health should be specified during
advertising in media and on the street stands of medical equipment and
treatment methods. Advertisement of the organizations or individual
entrepreneurs, providing medical services, carrying out production and sale
of medication, implementing educational projects, should include the number
and date of issuing the license for relevant activity.
At the same time, it is not really clear why the draft law, alongside the
restrictions mentioned above and quite reasonable, also proposes introducing
the procedure of granting authorization for advertising of medication,
medical equipment and treatment methods, which is to be stipulated by RA
Government.
The authors of the draft law condition the mentioned amendments in Law “On
Advertising” by the necessity of protecting the consumers’ rights and
ensuring proper quality of medical service. However, as it is typical for
the majority of legislative initiatives in media field, here as well
excessive bureaucratic limitations are foreseen.
The new draft law “On Copyright and Related Rights” was also introduced at
the Parliament four-day session.
On March 22, amendments to the Law “On Advertising” and the draft law “On
Copyright and Related Rights” were adopted in the first reading.
PUBLIC TV SUGGESTS RECONSIDERING RELATIONS WITH THE PARLIAMENT
Recently, media and deputies of RA National Assembly often raised the issue
of Public Television of Armenia coverage of the parliamentary programs.
According to the Rules of Procedure of RA National Assembly, adopted on
February 20, 2002, the sessions devoted to the statements of the deputies,
and the questions-answers addressed to the government are recorded and aired
by Public Television of Armenia (PTA First Channel – Ed.) on Wednesdays at
21.30.
The discussion was started by the interview of Chairman of the Council of
Public TV and Radio Company, Alexan Harutiunian to “Haikakan Zhamanak” daily
(March 8, 2006), titled “First Channel Freedom of Expression Under
Pressure”. Herein, Alexan Harutiunian stated in particular that the Council
of PTRC plans to officially apply to Chairman of RA National Assembly,
Arthur Baghdasarian with the proposal to reconsider the relations between
the TV company and the Parliament. According to Alexan Harutiunian, as PTRC
became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (in early July 2005
– Ed.), a controversy rose between the charter of this organization and RA
NA Rules of Procedure (which, as mentioned above, obliges Public TV to
broadcast sessions of the Parliament on concrete day and time). Alexan
Harutiunian noted that Director of the Legal Department of the European
Broadcasting Union, Werner Rumphorst sent a written notification to the
Council of PTRC that the charter of this professional association of
national broadcasters requires preservation of editorial independence by the
latter and the right to use TV air on their own discretion. While, Alexan
Harutiunian emphasized, the current legislation actually empowers the
Parliament to limit freedom of expression on the First Channel, thus
violating democratic norms.

According to the Head of the Council of PTRC, to remove the controversy it
is essential to primarily annul the legal provisions, obliging the Public
Television to broadcast parliamentary programs. Alexan Harutiunian stated in
the interview to “Haikakan Zhamanak” that afterwards there are several
options of problem settlement. For instance, giving a separate channel to
the National Assembly, or paid broadcast of parliamentary programs on some
other channel, or their broadcast on Public TV by mutual agreement – after
NA appeal to the management of the Council of PTRC. “I even agree to the
option of a certain part of our budget sums to be allotted to the Parliament
for broadcasting programs on the channel of its own choice”, Alexan
Harutiunian noted.
At March 15 session of RA NA Standing Committee on Science, Education,
Culture and Youth, which heard and considered the account on the work of the
Council of PTRC in 2005, Alexan Harutiunian again turned to the issue of
covering the Parliament activity and stated that he already sent the letter
to the RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasarian. (As told to YPC at the Council of
PTRC, the letter was also addressed to RA President Robert Kocharian).
NA deputies commented on the proposal of the Chairman of the Council of
PTRC. In particular, the article “Deputies Will Give Life, But Not TV Air”,
published in “Hayots Ashkhar” daily (March 11, 2006), quoted the opinions of
several parliamentarians. Thus, the Head of the parliamentary faction of the
Republican Party of Armenia, Galust Sahakian views the proposal of the
Council of PTRC inexpedient, primarily because it was made in undue time:
“The faction has not yet discussed this issue, but let us not forget that it
is pre-election year. (…) I strongly doubt that the parliamentary majority
will give its agreement.” The Secretary of the faction of “Dashnaktsutiun”
Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Hrair Karapetian was also negatively
disposed: “We are for a transparent National Assembly that is the people
should know what the deputies are doing and what issues are raised to the
government by the factions of the political parties. (…) As for the
solution of this problem through an agreement with the Public Television,
this proposal is totally unclear. Public Television is financed by the state
budget, ratified by the National Assembly, and PTRC submits a report on its
activity to the Parliament.” The proposal of the Council of PTRC raised
concerns of the parliamentary opposition. Chairman of “National Unity”
faction Aghasi Arshakian said: “Parliamentary statements and
questions-answers to the government are the only real opportunity for the
opposition to get access to TV air. If such a proposal is introduced, it
will mean an attempt at restricting this opportunity too. Naturally, our
faction cannot encourage such a proposal and will vote against it.”
“168 Zham” newspaper (No. 30, March 21-23, 2006) voiced the opinion of one
of the leaders of “Dashnaktsutiun” party, deputy of RA NA Vahan
Hovhannisian: “I think it would be more appropriate to give full broadcast
but not necessarily on First Channel.”
“PRESS PHOTO” AWARD FOR ARMENIAN PHOTOJOURNALIST
On March 17 the results of international competition of photo journalists
were summed up. The contest was organized by “Press Photo” Polish Fund. Over
5 thousand photos were presented for 15 awards in five nominations (three
for each). In “Life Today” nomination, the first prize was awarded to “Black
Life” photo story of a famous Armenian photojournalist, head of “Patker”
photo agency, Ruben Mangasarian. The award ceremony will be held in Warsaw
on May 9. On the same day, the exhibition of the competition winners will be
opened.
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Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
Yerevan Press Club
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