WORLD BANK CONFERS “1993-2002 COUNTRY PROGRAMS BEST PRACTICE AWARD” ON
ARMENIA

YEREVAN, MARCH 10, NOYAN TAPAN. In 2005, the World Bank (WB) conferred
the 1993-2002 Country (Armenia) Programs Best Practice Award on
Armenia. Armenia has become the first country to receive this award of
the World Bank.
According to the press service of the RA Ministry of Finance and
Economy, an annual meeting-discussion on assessment of the WB-financed
programs’ package took place in Yerevan on March 10. The purpose of
the discussion was to examine the overall situation regarding the
programs’ implementation in Armenia, assess efficiency of their
implementation, identify problems related to these programs and
propose their solutions, etc.
It was noted that the annual study of the 2005 package of programs
showed that they continue to be low-risk. The index of expenditures
is considerably higher than the average regional index of Europe and
Central Asia, which creates positive trends in terms of invsetment
activities and programs’ implementation.
41 programs of a total of 920.9 mln USD have been approved by the
World Bank in Armenia, with the programs of 749 mln USD being already
implemented. The total amount of the currently opertaing programs
makes 280.4 mln USD.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

UPCOMING ELECTIONS WOULD BE CRUCIAL TO ARMENIA’S FUTURE, INTERNATIONAL
WORKING GROUP ON ELECTIONS CONVINCED

YEREVAN, MARCH 10, NOYAN TAPAN. The international working group on
elections was established in 2002 to provide a forum for the exchange
of information and experience among representatives of international
organizations and Embassies in Armenia that have been involved in
election assistance. The group meets regularly and is chaired by the
OSCE Office in Yerevan.
Ambassadors and the heads of intergovernmental organisations involved
in the working group met on March 9 and exchanged information about
Armenia’s progress in preparing for Parliamentary and Presidential
elections that will be held in 2007 and 2008.
According to the statement adopted by the working group, provided to
Noyan Tapan by OSCE Yerevan Office Press and Public Relations
Department, the participants took note of the steps that have already
been initiated by the Armenian authorities, including efforts to
update the voters list, the beginning of training for members of
electoral commissions, and preliminary steps to review the existing
electoral code.
The participants noted that the elections scheduled to take place next
year and the year after would take place in new circumstances
following the Constitutional referendum which modified the system of
governance in the country. The participants welcomed these changes as
constituting, on the whole, progress for Armenia and correcting a
number of shortcomings in the constitution as it existed.
At the same time, the shortcomings of previous elections were recalled
and the participants noted that those international observers who were
invited to witness the voting related to the Constitutional referendum
in November concluded that the process was marked by serious abuses. A
number of Armenia’s leaders have acknowledged that numerous
shortcomings were evident and that for this reason a shadow had been
cast on the voting process itself.
With these circumstances in mind, the participants agreed that the
upcoming elections would be crucial to Armenia’s future. They are of
the view that a government that is, and is perceived by its population
to be, fairly chosen by the people, is not only essential to a just
society, but is also a significant factor in political stability,
national security, and economic development. A fair and open electoral
process is also one of Armenia’s international commitments. The
participants welcomed statements by a number of Armenian officials
that the Government of Armenia was taking steps to ensure that the
shortcomings of the past would not be repeated.
Several participants of the meeting have indicated their willingness
to provide appropriate assistance. They noted, in particular, the
importance of assisting with the training of election commission
members, the provision of expertise in connection with possible
revisions of the electoral code, improvements in the voters list, and
the promotion of popular awareness of the procedures that must be
followed in order to produce a free and fair election. The meeting
stressed the importance of the earliest possible engagement of foreign
governments and international organisations in providing requested
assistance, having in mind the complexity of electoral processes and
the time often required to develop and mobilise assistance programs.
The participants expressed the hope that the Government of Armenia
would engage civil society in ensuring that the forthcoming elections
constitute a unifying process between the people and those who govern
them.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CE SECRETARY GENERAL SENDS LETTERS TO FOREIGN MINISTERS OF 37 CE
MEMBER STATES, INCLUDING ARMENIA

STRASBOURG, MARCH 10, NOYAN TAPAN. The Secreatry General of the
Council of Europe (CE) Terry Davis sent letters to the foreign
ministers of the 37 CE member states, reminding, in the context of
secret arrests and transportation of prisoners in Europe, about
honoring the commitments of the CE member states within the framework
of the European Convention of Human Rights.
These countries are Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxemburg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Russia, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, “the Former Republic of Macedonia Jugoslavia”, Turkey, Ukraine
and the UK. The letter to Albania was sent on February 22.
According to the CE press service in Armenia, the governments of the
above mentioned countries were requested to make additions to or
explain the responses given during the November 21, 2005 survey. The
deadline for providing answers is April 7.

NATIONAL CHOREOGRAPHY DEGRADES TODAY, SPECIALISTS EMPHASIZE

YEREVAN, MARCH 10, NOYAN TAPAN. The March 10 discussion at the
“Hayeli” (Mirror) club was dedicated to the current problems and
further fate of the Armenian choreography. The discussion was held
with participation of Zemfira Yeritsian, professor of Choreography
Chair of Yerevan State Institute of Theater and Cinema, and Albert
Kizirian, Head of Choreography Chair of Yereven Pedagogical University
Culture Faculty.
The discussion participants touched upon the current condition of
national choreography stating that it is gradually degrading giving up
its place to the choreography of oriental peoples. They are convinced
that the Ministry of Culture has no exact state policy for the
regulation of this issue, as a result of which “we have the current
situation”.
Albert Kizirian said that the folklore of each people is the basis of
its choreography. Meanwhile, he is convinced that having folklore in
the basis of choreography, nevertheless, today we should also take
into consideration the requirements and dictates of time in this
sphere of art.
According to Zemfira Yeritsian, the current choreography figures,
performers and producers have lost not only the Armenian traditional
dancing elements but also a very important thing – the fire of the
soul. “They dance without any fire, without feelings, without a
dialogue with the spectators, which has made the national dance simple
and non-attractive,” the former solo dancer considers.
From: Baghdasarian

DISC OF SONGS IN HAMSHEN DIALECT OF ARMENIAN LANGUAGE RELEASED

KRASNODAR, MARCH 10, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A disc titled
“First of Hamshen” was released in Krasnodar. According to the
“Yerkramas” (country) newspaper of the Armenians in Russia, the most
popular music compositions in the dialect of Hamshen are gathered in
the disc for the first time. The compositions are recorded being
performed by the “Caravan” music group of the region of Tuapse,
Krasnodar, with the organization assistance of the “Hamshen” Armenian
scientific information-cultural center and financial aid of the local
benefactors.
There are other works as well in the 2006 programs of the “Hamshen”
center: working out of the form of the “Encyclopedia of Hamshen,”
urgent researches in the regions of inhabitation of Armenians of
Hamshen, publication of scientific reference books concerning problems
of Hamshen Armenians, creation of the site of the organization,
preparation of the idea and scenario of a documentary film,
publication of the “Library of Hamshen” serios of books, creation of
the Armenian folk theater, organization of the Hamshen cultural
festival, etc.
Armenians of Hamshen make the great part of the waterside region of
Krasnodar and few regions of Kuban and Adghe. They moved to Kuban from
the Hamshen province (at present in the territory of Turkey) of the
Western Armenia in the middle of the 19th century and early in the
20th century, after the Armenian Genocide in Turkey. According to
experts’ data, about 250 thousand Armenians of Hamshen live jointly in
Kuban, Adghe and Abkhazia, and according to data of different sources,
from 700 to 1.5 mln Armenians of Hamshen became Moslem live within the
borders of the traditional inhabitation in the territory of Turkey.

YOUNG ARMENIAN KILLED IN TSALKA, ANOTHER TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED

AKHLAKALAK, MARCH 10, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On the ninth of
March, at about 6 one o’clock in the evening in the city of Tsalka
(the center of Tsalka area of Kvemo-Kartli region of Georgia) an armed
attack took place on a group of young men of the Armenian
nationality. 23-year-old Gevorg Gevorkyan was killed, as a result of
knife wounds he died shortly after the incident, V. Saakyan (25) was
wounded in the leg, and K.Baloyan (25) with a serous wound, 7 hours
later was delivered to (Aramyants) Tbilisi city hospital.
According to an eyewitness, the number of those attacking was about
15. After the attack the criminals escaped. The casualties are not
aware of the reason for the attack, committed, from their point of
view, by Adjar or Svan migrants.
According to eyewitnesses, after a while, all entrances to the city of
Tsalka from the Armenian villages were blocked by SWAT
units. According to the A-Info agency, the other roads including the
trunk one leading to the capital were free for travelling.
The same day in the evening the regional police arrested 3 suspects in
connection with the incident. At present they are being
interrogated. At the same time, nearly 300 Armenians, residents of
Tsalka, gathered in front of the police building in token of
protest. They demand a deserved punishment for the murderers. The
Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has increased the number of the
spcial services with a motivation of taking control of the situation.
The regional police building was surrounded by about 150 servicemen in
masks.
Later the crowd in indignation broke the windows of Tsalka police. In
response, the special detachment that urgently arrived in Tsalka from
Tbilisi beat the Armenian demonstrants with sub-machine guns and
rubber clubs. As Hayk Meltonian, Deputy of Georgian parliament elected
by a majoritarian system, affirmed, about 100 demonstrants were
beaten.

ARTASHES GEGHAMIAN INSISTS ON POWERSHIFT AND ADVISES TO FOLLOW INDIA’S
EXAMPLE
YEREVAN, MARCH 10. ARMINFO. Artashes Geghamian, leader of “National
Unity” party, insists on making powershift in Armenia and, being
inspired with the ideas of Mahatma Gandi, he suggests that Armnia
follows the example of India of 40-ies that managed to get rid of the
Englsih yoke without bloodshed.
In the course of today’s press conference, Geghamian stricktly
criticized the home and foreign policy conducted by the current
Armenian authorties. He said that the international community doesn’t
pay attention to the numerous falscifcations in the elections in
Armenia, as they expect that Robert Kocharian will keep his defeatist
promisses given at Key west and Rambouillet negotitations for Nagorno
Karabakh conflict settlement. He also said that the state budget of
Azerbaijan grows by 70% annually, while the treat of war is caused by
“defeatest policy of the Armenian authorities and the lack of any
national concept for foreign policy. He emphaszied that in case a war
is unfolded, we will fight and certainly win.
Geghamian underscored that the only solution to the current problems
is the powershift.

US EMBASSY TO RA CALLS FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS NOT TO VISIT SEVERAL
REGIONS OF ARMENIA
YEREVAN, MARCH 10.ARMINFO. US Embassy to Armenia calls for the
American citizens not to visit several regions of Armenia that border
on Azerbaijan.
According to the statement provided to ARMINFO by the Embassy, it is
not recommended to travel on Ijevan-Noyemberian road between Kirants
and Woskevan dwelling places. The statement is condictioned by the
fact that numerous cases of ceasefire violations were fixed during the
last few years in the given part of the border.
Besides, the Embassy warns its citizens against trips out of the main
cities of Armenia. The night and winter trips are not recommended,
either.

ARMENTEL TO PAY A PENALTY FOR UNLAWFUL COMPETITION
YEREVAN, MARCH 10. ARMINFO. The Commission for Economic Competition
Protection recognized ArmenTel company guilty for unlawful economical
competition. The company is to pay as a penalty 1% of its income from
cell communications services.
This resolution was made on the today session of the Commission when
the claim of VivaCel,l accusing ArmenTel in dumping, was
considered. The matter is that ArmenTel adopted preference tariffs for
those subscribers who hold SIM cards for longer than 12 months. So,
from January 1 to April 30, 2006, SIM-card holders had to pay AMD 2
instead of AMD 48 per minute.
By the agreement about connection of ArmenTel and VivaCell networks
the latter has to pay ArmenTel for phone call retranslation AMD 9,96
(19,93 in the regions) per minute. Thus VivaCell is in a subjected
position and can be pressed out of the market at ArmenTel’s will. At
the same time it was noted that there are 665 thousand cell network
subscribers in Armenia, of which 47,3% are ArmenTel card holders and
52,7% – VivaCell. It should be noted that VivaCell entered the
Armenian market only on July 1, 2005.
The Commission for Economic Competition Protection has already
penalized ArmenTel in 2005 for the low quality of its cell
services. ArmenTel paid AMD 158,6 million to the state budget.

MARLEN HAAS CONDEMNS DETERMINATION OF AZERI WOMEN TO AWARD MURDERER
RAMIL SAFAROV WITH HERO’S STATUS
YEREVAN, MARCH 10. ARMINFO. Marlen Haas, Secretary General of
Socialist International Women organization, condemned the Azeri women
who make a national hero out of Ramil Safarov, murderer of Gourgen
Margarian, Armenian officer, at today’s press conference in Yerevan.
As for the women’s participation in the public life, she said that the
situation in Armenia is much better than in neighbouring
countries. She said that the situation of the women’s rights in
Armenia has been considerably improved for the last few
years.Nevertheless, she stated that the violence over women is still
one of the urgent problems in Armenia. Haas also expressed concern
about the large number of unemployed women, the decrease of birth rate
in Armenia.
In her turn, Maria Titizian, representative of ARF “Dashnaktsiutiun”
in Socintern, said that the membership of her party to this
organization helps put forward urgent problems of Armenia at the
international level. She emphasized that they discussed the issue of
annihilated Armenian Middle Age Cross Stones in Nakhijevan at the
latest sitting of the organization.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress