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8 COMPANIES FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES APPLY FOR ARMENTEL'S 90% SHARE
306 words
9 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. AFX Europe reports 8 companies from different
countries to have applied for 90% of ArmenTel's shares. According to OTE
sources, among the applicants are the big Russian three - VympelCom, AFK
Systema and RosTelecom - as well as Belgian Belgacom, Hungarian PanTel,
Erisalat from UAE and Sil Group from Armenia together with small foreign
companies.
ComNews reports that the key owner of ArmenTel OTE S.A. officially said it
wants to sell Armentel in early Apr 2006.
In 2005 ArmenTel's net profit was 45.8 mln EUR - 40% more than in 2004 due
mostly to mobile services. ArmenTel's share in OTE's total incomes is 2.2%. The
company enjoys monopoly on fixed phone services till 2009 and enjoyed one on
mobile services too until deprived of this right by the Armenian authorities in
Nov 2004. Now it has 320,000 mobile subscribers. Since 1998 OTE has failed to
invest in it a single penny. Monopoly position and lack of competition in fixed
phone services and internet has led Armentel to degradation. The quality of
phone communication in Armenia is very low, while the tariffs are much higher
than in other countries.
Expert of Antanta Capital Anna Krylova says that Armenia's mobile market has
quite good development prospects. She says that the present owner of Armentel,
who earned $140 mln, may ask for the company $400 mln - $1,000 for each mobile
subscriber plus "a little" for fixed subscribers. This is a normal
price for leadership on market especially considering how much the big Russian
three paid for their previous purchases in the CIS.
Experts say that Systema is the best of the Russians as it has all the
necessary structures and experience on fixed phone communication market.-0-
Document ARMNFE0020060609e26900002
CHESS PIECE Armenia is champion
Bobby Ang
1543 words
9 June 2006
BusinessWorld
S4/3
English
(c) 2006 Business World Publishing Corporation.
2006 Turin Chess Olympiad
Men's Olympiad
20 May - 04 June 2006
Top Final Standings
1. Armenia, 36.0/52
2. China, 34.0/52
3-4. USA, Israel, 33.0/52
5. Hungary, 32.5/52
6-10. Russia, France, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Spain, 32.0/52
Total of 150 teams participating
Armenia closed out with a quick 2-2 draw with Hungary to officially claim
supremacy over the chess world until 2008 at least. The silver medals went to
the Chinese who beat the Netherlands while Israel (a surprise 3-1 victor over
Russia) and the USA (by virtue of a 3.5-0.5 massacre over Norway) finished in a
dead heat for third place. The Buccholz tie-break system gave the bronze medal
to the Americans.
The Armenians were without a doubt deserving champions, not only did they win
the most matches, 10, but they also finished undefeated, something no other
country was able to do. Also, for someone like me who has seen his fair share
of intra-team rivalries and petty jealousies, it was gratifying to see that
these guys from the Caucasus know something about team play - their individual
players sacrificed personal ambition for the sake of the team. Several rounds
before the end Akopian, who had a performance of 2928 in his first eight games,
could ensure an individual medal in board 2 and Sargissian in board 5 as well
by the simple expedient of sidelining themselves in favor of their reserves.
But they continued playing, at the expense of some possible draws or losses
that could hamper their individual standings.
What happened to the Philippines?
In the last two rounds we needed five points to have a chance at a decent
finish, but instead we drew with Switzerland (2-2) and lost to Brazil
(1.5-2.5). As a result, our final placing was 44th - the worst finish in recent
history.
What excuse can we give now, that we were unlucky? I am afraid we cannot even
say that. We only won four matches drew five and lost four. Two years ago in
Calvia we won eight matches! The only bright spot in this year's campaign was
the 3.5-0.5 whitewash we administered Iceland, but is it really that big a
deal? Iceland used to be a very strong country, but many of its top players are
either fully or semi-retired. They finished in 45th place, so what are we so
joyful about?
Can we use our favorite excuse "no money?" I always hate it when I
hear that. Our SEA Games team was properly funded, and yet came away with not a
single gold medal. This Olympiad team was also funded well - what happened to
it?
One day, the chess-powers-that-be will realize that smiling at our chess
players, paying for their living expenses, giving them nice rooms to stay in
one week before departure, and encouraging them to "do their best"
will NOT get us medals.
Our best performances were achieved with starving and freezing teams. Get them
all to train properly - all this "we will train at home just give us the
money to buy books" nonsense must stop.
Our players have to learn to train on the Internet. Accounts have to be created
for them in the Internet Chess Club. They have to be encouraged to work on
their openings for a few hours, and then try out the fruits of their research
in online combat, and someone must be going over their games (Internet games
are saved automatically, of course) to review what is going on.
If you want to give them special coaches, then fine. But make sure these are
professional coaches, and not retired players who need the money and therefore
"I am a coach." If you think they need special openings analysts,
then excellent! But get real experts, and not players who need the job and
therefore "I am an analyst."
I know most people do not like unsolicited advice, so as much as possible I
avoid giving it. But there are too many hangers-on now. It is about time
someone gave Messrs. Go Teng Kok and Rep. Pichay good advice.
GORMALLYGATE. Arianne Caoili played top board for our women's team in the 2000
Istanbul Olympiad. She was only 14 at that time and by now has blossomed to be
quite a beauty. A few years ago her parents separated and she left for
Australia with her mom.
Arianne went to Turin as board 3 for the land from down under. Our Australian
correspondent Amiel Rosario wrote about quite an interesting incident during
the Bermuda dinner socials held after the 10th round of Turin Olympiad.
Apparently the English board 4, GM Daniel Gormally, wanted to dance with
Arianne, but was quite annoyed that GM Levon Aronian had beaten him to it. I am
sure that ELO rating had nothing to do with this, of course, nor the fact that
Levon is the world no. 3. Anyway Gormally went up to the dancing couple,
punched Aronian in the face and shoved him to the floor.
This incident was reported to the English delegation and by the next morning
their team captain apologized for his behavior to his counterpart on the
Armenian side (Times of London reports that he also happens to be the Defense
Minister of his country). Aronian is treated like a god in Armenia, and all
hopes that his followers were appeased by this apology disappeared when some of
them attacked Gormally when he went out for coffee with friends. So as to avoid
further incident the Englishman was asked to take the next available flight
home.
Well, I was Arianne's team captain during the 2000 Istanbul Olympiad and
noticed the impact she makes by simply walking into a room. On or off the board
she is a knockout!
VLADIMIR KRAMNIK. OK, back to chess. Kramnik wound up his first appearance
after medical treatment for arthritis by producing the best performance in the
Olympiad. He played nine games against opposition with an average rating of
2681 and scored four wins and five draws. The quality of the games was very
high. We presented his beautiful victory over Naiditsch in our first report,
now let us see another of his productions:
Kramnik, Vladimir (2729) - Bruzon Bautista, Lazaro (2652) [D52]
37th Olympiad Turin ITA (12), 03.06.2006
1.Nf3
In his quest to bring more aggression back into his play Kramnik dabbled with
1.e4 last year. Now, on his comeback, he goes back to his tried and true 1.Nf3.
1...d5 2.d4 Nf6 3.c4 c6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5
The Cambridge Springs Defense. The main idea of that opening is to immediately
put pressure on White's pinned Nc3. Sometimes Black can also profit from
insecure position of White's Bg5.
7.cxd5
The most ambitious move. Another common line here is 7.Nd2 Bb4 8.Qc2 0n0 9.Be2
c5.
7...Nxd5 8.Qd2 Bb4 9.Rc1 h6 10.Bh4 0n0 11.a3 Bxc3 12.bxc3 Qxa3
Kramnik has given up a pawn for the bishop pair and attacking prospects on the
kingside. By the way, we are still in the books at this point.
13.e4 Ne7 14.Bd3 Ng6 15.Bg3 e5
Otherwise Black would be passive forever.
16.0-0!
Here I can make a flip comment like "when in doubt, castle", but it
would not be appropriate. Kramnik's move is very deep; instead of trying to
recover his pawn investment right away he unhurriedly completes his development
- he has already seen how he is going to lay out his troops.
16...Re8 17.Rfe1 Qa5 18.Qb2 Qd8 19.Bb1!
A great move. The bishop will be relocated to the a2-g8 diagonal.
19...a5 20.Rcd1 a4 21.Ba2 Qe7 22.Qc1 Ra5 23.Qd2
I really like the way Kramnik is conducting this phase - he seems to be moving
in slow motion, but at the same time Black is finding his moves harder and
harder to come by.
23...exd4?
Black was probably a bit frustrated with his planless situation and strikes out
rashly. It would have been better for him simply to shuffle his pieces back and
forth and wait for white to attack.
24.Nxd4
Now the white knight gets to f5 and the position becomes critical.
24...Qc5 25.Bc7!
This is not only an attack on the rook. You will see the real point later.
25...Ra8? 26.Bxf7+! Kxf7 27.Qa2+ Kf8
We will see one point of Bc7 if Black plays 27...Kf6 because now white has
28.Bd8+!! Rxd8 29.Qe6+ Kg5 30.Nf3+ Kf4 (30...Kh5 31.g4#) 31.g3+ Kxf3 32.Rd3+
mate next move.
28.Ne6+ Rxe6 29.Qxe6
Another point of Bc7: If White's bishop was still on g3 Black could now defend
with ...Nge5, but with the bishop on c7 this move is impossible because of
Bd6+.
29...Ne7 30.Re3 Ke8 31.Rf3 Qh5 32.Bd6 1-0
A beauty.
Document BSWRLD0020060609e2690000t
Armenian minister hopeful Karabakh may be resolved in 2006
315 words
8 June 2006
17:26 GMT
BBC Monitoring Caucasus
English
(c) 2006 The British Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved. No material
may be reproduced except with the express permission of The British
Broadcasting Corporation.
Text of report by Armenian news agency Mediamax
Yerevan, 8 June: Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan does not rule out
that Armenia and Azerbaijan will manage to agree on the principles of Nagornyy
Karabakh conflict settlement in 2006.
The Armenian foreign minister said that "nothing can be ruled out".
"As the saying goes, hope springs eternal," Oskanyan said.
The Armenian foreign minister pointed out that the Armenian and Azerbaijani
presidents, Robert Kocharyan and Ilham Aliyev, did not agree on a new meeting
at talks in Bucharest on 4-5 June.
"The sides agreed that a meeting would be held between the Armenian and
Azerbaijani foreign ministers if the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen considered it
necessary," Oskanyan said.
He noted that there was no agreement yet on a possible meeting with his
Azerbaijani counterpart. "It is up to the mediators to decide,"
Oskanyan said.
"In Bucharest, like in Rambouillet, the presidents could not agree on one
very difficult issue," Oskanyan said. Asked what the expectations for a
possible favourable outcome of the Bucharest talks were based on, the Armenian
minister said: "Every time there are new formulas and approaches to major
issues on the negotiating table, the sides hope that they will manage to
persuade the other side to soften its position. This did not happen in
Bucharest. We should try again."
The Armenian foreign minister pointed out that the position of the Armenian
side remained unchanged - Yerevan is ready to discuss issues related to the
elimination of the aftermath of the conflict, but only after Azerbaijan
recognizes the Nagornyy Karabakh people's right to self-determination.
Oskanyan said that Armenia did not feel pressure from the [OSCE] mediators and
said he doubted they would face this kind of pressure in the future.
Source: Mediamax news agency, Yerevan, in Russian 0821 gmt 8 Jun 06
a48d1283
Document BBCCAU0020060608e2680012x
More Russian military hardware pulled out of Georgian base, en route to Armenia
174 words
8 June 2006
16:05 GMT
Associated Press Newswires
English
(c) 2006. The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
TBILISI, Georgia (AP) - A convoy of Russian military trucks and other hardware
left a Soviet-era base in Georgia en route to Armenia on Thursday, in the
latest pullout of Russian military equipment from the Caucasus Mountain nation.
After months of contentious negotiations, Georgia and Russia reached agreement
last year on pulling Russian forces out of two bases.
Thursday's convoy of 40 vehicles and other material from the Black Sea port of
Batumi was headed to the Russian base at Gyumri, Armenia, said Col. Vladimir
Kuparadze, deputy commander of the Russian troops in the southern Caucasus.
Another 15 vehicles from another base at Akhalkalaki will join the convoy en
route, he said.
Both bases are scheduled to be fully closed by the end of 2008, with much of
the equipment to be sent to Gyumri.
The agreement to withdraw Russian forces from Georgia was a victory for pro-Western
President Mikhail Saakashvili, who has sought to reduce Russian influence.
7
Document APRS000020060608e2680023n
DECODING OF SOUNDS RECORDER OF CRASHED A-320 AIRBUS COMPLETED
155 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 08. ArmInfo.The decoding works of the sound recorder of crashed
A-320 airbus completed at the International Aviation Committee. The press
service of RF Transport Ministry informed that 33 minutes of sound information
were recorded, including the beginning and the development of the critical
situation. The members of the crew spoke mainly Armenian. The information was
translated into Russian by the officials of RA Embassy to Russia. But the IAC
doesn't reveal any information yet.
The source also stated that at present, the specialists continue decoding the
parametrical recorder of А-320, which includes over 300 parameters and commands.
The specialists also synchronize the records of the land and air sources of
control.
The Chief Department of Armenia's Aviation doesn't make any comments, either.
Gayane Davtian, press secretary of CDAA, informed that the Armenian side will
make comments tomorrow.
Document ARMNFE0020060608e2680012x
Armenian minister hopes for peaceful solution to Iran nuclear issue
161 words
8 June 2006
15:44 GMT
BBC Monitoring Caucasus
English
(c) 2006 The British Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved. No material
may be reproduced except with the express permission of The British
Broadcasting Corporation.
Text of report by Armenian news agency Arminfo
Yerevan, 8 June: Armenia welcomes recent developments in Iran, Armenian Foreign
Minister Vardan Oskanyan told a news conference today.
"Because we also believe that the issue should be resolved by means of a
dialogue," the foreign minister pointed out. He recalled that this issue
was of greet importance for Armenia which borders Iran.
"We welcome any progress in this issue, we welcome EU official Javier
Solana's visit, the proposal of a new 'package', the fact that Iran did not
decline it and that the USA has proposed establishing direct contacts with
Iran," Oskanyan said.
He also expressed the hope that the positive events of the last week would
yield positive results and that the issue would be resolved by peaceful means
and through talks, without imposing sanctions or using military force.
Source: Arminfo, Yerevan, in Russian 0843 gmt 8 Jun 06
a48cfaa6
Document BBCCAU0020060608e268000rt
ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR PRESENTS HIS CREDENTIALS TO PORTUGUESE PRESIDENT
78 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. Armenian Ambassador to Portugal Ruben Shugaryan
presented his credentials to Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva June 6.
The press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry reports that before the
meeting Shugaryan met with Foreign Secretary Rui Santos, Chairman of the Board
of Trustees of Gulbenkian Foundation Emilio Rui Vilar. The sides discussed
Armenia's integration into Europe, Armenian-Turkish relations, Karabakh peace
process, regional problems.-0-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e26800106
UNDP TO PROVIDE $100,000 TO FIVE ARMENIAN TOWNS
123 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. Today UNDP Armenia signed agreements for financing
five towns of Armenia - Dilijan, Masis, Vedi, Abovyan and Ijevan - under its
Performance Budgeting project.
UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative Consuelo Vidal says that
each town will be $20,000 and Ijevan will get $40,000 from CHF and $20,000 from
the local municipal budget. The money will be spent on the restoration of
monuments, roads, parks and in Ijevan on the repairs of entrances in apartment
houses and the heating of kindergartens.
Vidal says that the local population will take an active part in the project,
which will raise the accountability of the municipalities and will unite the
people.-0-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000ul
COMMUNITY BUDGETS IMPROVED AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN
ARMENIA WITH UNDP SUPPORT
324 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. Today, five cost-sharing agreements were signed with
five municipalities and Memorandum of Understanding with the USAID for projects
in the scope of UNDP Armenia PErformance Budgeting project. In addition, UNDP
presented the Performance Budgeting Manual, reports the press service of UNDP
Armenia. The ceremony held in UN House in yerevan was attended by municipality
teams, experts of the project, USAID, representatives as well as reprsentatives
of the US Treasury Department, Armenia Social Investment FUnd, Government and
the media. Ms Consuelo Vidal, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident
Representative mae a welcoming speech.
Since its inception in 2005, the Performance Budgeting Project has generated much
interest among local self-governance bodies in Armenia. The goals of the
project are to support further decentralization in Armenia, strengthen the
capacities of local self-governance bodies and facilitate accountable and
measurable public expenditure management. It assists in the implementation of
performance budgeting during community planning, monitoring and evaluation
processes ensuring citizens' participation in the whole process, This is new to
not only Armenia but also to the region., Performance budgeting enables the
local population to be party of the local planning and development process.
Wide public participation take place during projects' planning and
implementation, enabling public participation in local development processes,
engaging citizens and local governments in planning and prioritizing together
and making local governments accountable for the use of their financial
resources.
This new budgeting process covers the entire strategic planning process, from
situation analysis and assessment to setting priorities, objectives and
targets, stating outputs and monitoring indicators and finally developing and
output-based budget. The performance Budgeting Project promotes community-level
active citizen involvement in the local development process, accountability and
measurability of municipal services provided to the communities, In this way,
it supports participation and governance at the local level and also encourages
a culture of results.
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000um
VIMPELCOM Vies for ARMENTEL
55 words
8 June 2006
NOVECON: Russia/CIS Telecommunications Press Digest
English
(c) 2006 NOVECON
VIMPELCOM has submitted a bid for a tender announced by the Greek HELLENIC
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION (OTE) for 90% of shares in ARMENTEL, the
largest fixed- line and cellular communications operator in Armenia.
The tender also involves a further seven operators, including Russia's MTS and
MEGAFON.
Source: VEDOMOSTI, June 8, 2006
Document RUSTED0020060608e26800002
"3+3. THE BALTIC-CAUCASUS. COOPERATION IN YOUTH POLICY" INTERNATIONAL
SEMINAR LANUCHES IN ARMENIA
251 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 08. ArmInfo. Today, "3+3. The Baltic-Caucasus. Cooperation
in Youth Ploicy" International Seminar launched in Lousakert. The seminar
is held within the framework of "Everyone Is Equal, Everyone Is
Different" CE compaign. About 30 participants from 5 countries took part
in the seminar.
Artur Poghosian, RA Deputy Culture Minister, emphasized in his speech that the
youth state policy is carried out not only with the assistance of the state
bodies, but also thanks to the active participation of the youth NGOs, as their
experience and skills contribute to growth of efficiency of such arrangements.
He added that it is planned that 20 arrangements within the framework of the CE
project will be held this year. Thanks to these arrangements, the Armenian
youth will have the opportunity to communicate with the youth of the Caucasian
states, CIS and Europe.
Boyana Uroumova, CE Plenipotentiary Representative, said that CE tried hard to
pay attention to the organization of such arrangements and programs, as they
contribute to the aversion of preconception between the representatives of
various nations and cultures. "We can't change our neighbors, but we can
change our attitude towards them," Uroumova said.
The international seminar will last till June 12. It is planned that a special
group of seminar participants will be formed. That will continue the
strengthening of establishing relations between the youth from the South
Caucasus and the Baltic states. -miu-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000xg
MINING AND CUTTING COMPANIES LEAD IN VOLUME OF EXPORT
71 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. Armenia's mining and cutting companies leaded in the
volume of export in 2005, reports AEPLAC. Pure Iron Plant exported goods worth
65.4 bln AMD, Shogakn and Lori diamond cutting companies worth 41.8 bln AMD and
37.7 bln AMD respectively, AMP mining company 30.4 bln AMD, ACP mining company
21.4 bln AMD.-0-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000xf
ZANGEZOUR COPPER-MOLYBDENUM FACTORY TOPS LIST OF BIGGEST TAX PAYERS OF ARMENIA
156 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. For two consecutive years the Zangezour
Copper-Molybdenum Factory tops the list of companies with the biggest sales and
tax payments, reports AEPLAC.
In 2005 the company sold goods worth 86.927 bln AMD - 38% more than in 2004.
Its tax payments totalled 30 bln AMD - 34.5% growth. The 2nd is Armenian
Electric Networks whose sales totalled 75.805 bln AMD (+7.3%), but in tax
payments it is the 8th - 5.1 bln AMD. ArmenTel is the 3rd in sales - 65.5 bln
AMD and the 2nd in 11.675 bln AMD - tax payments. Pure Iron Plant is the 4th in
sales - 64.4 bln AMD but only the 24th in tax payments - 1.1 bln AMD.
ArmRosgazprom is the 5th in sales - 58 bln AMD and the 4th in tax payments -
8.8 bln AMD.-0-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000xe
PRESENTATION OF ARMENIAN OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS &
PARLIAMENT ARMENIA OFFICE HELD IN YEREVAN
120 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
PRESENTATION
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. Presentation of Armenian Office of International
Association of Business & Parliament Armenia Office was held Wednesday in
Yerevan.
The Association Secretary General Frederick Hyde-Chambers said the Association
is a format, within which MPs can solve economy-related problems at legislative
level.
In his opinion, Armenia should be involved in the process of cooperation
between businessmen and legislators to deal with the problems emerging
throughout transition period.
The Association Armenian Office Director Poghos Shahinyan, in his turn, said
that the IABP is a structure involving lawmakers and entrepreneurs developing
their activities in various sectors of business. M.V. -0--- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000p3
ARMENIAN AND TURKISH PEOPLE HAVE MUCH IN COMMON AND NO PROBLEMS: TURKISH MP
161 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. Armenia and Turkey have much in common especially in
culture and arts, the member of the Turkish delegation to PA BSEC, Turkish MOP
Sevket Arz has told ARMINFO correspondent. Even more, the Armenian and Turkish
peoples have almost common traditions. There are many Armenian ensembles and
groups in Turkey and the Turkish society very much likes their activities. The
Turkish people very much likes the performances of Armenian singers, ballet
groups and symphonic orchestras. One proof is 10 points given by Turkey to
Armenian singer Andre during Eurovision 2006. Thereby the Turks have shown that
they have no problems with Armenians. If the experience of cultural cooperation
is applied in politics and economy too the sides will show progress in their
bilateral relations. Politicians have their interests in these processes an the
people theirs, but politicians go away while peoples stay, says Arz.-0-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000un
RA FM: TRAFFICKING PROBLEM IS IN CENTER OF ATTENTION OF RA AUTHORITIES
152 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. The authorities of Armenia undertake rather serious
steps for the trafficking problem resolution, the RA Foreign Minister Vardan
Oskanyan said at today's press-conference, commenting the USA State
Department's report about people trade for 2006. According to him, the work is
carried out in three main directions: prevention of trafficking, protection of
victims and punishment of criminals. In view of this, V. Oskanyan noted
increase of the number of criminal cases, related to the revelation of facts of
people trade. "Which result it gives in the struggle with this phenomenon,
I cannot say. But the fact is the government undertakes serious steps for the
problem resolution", Oskanyan stressed. He also informed that the official
Yerevan intends to respond to this report. "The problem exists and it is
not a secret to anyone", Oskanyan said.
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000dx
ISSUE OF PREVENTION OF XENOPHOBIA DISPLAY IS IN AGENDA OF ARMENIA-RUSSIAN
RELATIONS
132 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. The issue of prevention of cases of xenophobia
display is in agenda of Armenian-Russian relations, RA Foreign Minister Vardan
Oskanyan said at today's press-conference. According to him, this issue is
discussed in all convenient cases at all levels. "The Armenian party does
not loose a chance to express its anxiety by the facts of xenophobia display
and offers to jointly find ways for such phenomena prevention", Oskanyan
said. "I would like to believe these are single cases and not a policy of
a definite group of people aimed against Armenians. However, the phenomenon
exists, it causes a great anxiety, and it should give concern of Russia'
authorities first of all", Oskanyan said.
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000gp
ARMENIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES AMBASSADOR OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
66 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. The newly appointed ambassador of Bosnia and
Herzegovina to Armenia Enver Halilovic (residence in Moscow) presented his
credentials to Armenian President Robert Kocharyan. Kocharyan congratulated
Halilovic on his appointment and wished him success in his mission. The sides
noted that Armenian-Bosnian relations are just taking shape and require legal
basis for development.-0-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000m9
AZERBAIJAN SHARES ARMENIA'S POSITION ON RESTART OF KARS-GYUMRI RAILROAD
169 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. The official position of the Parliamentary Assembly
of Black Sea Economic Cooperation is that the implementation of economic
projects in the Black Sea region must serve the interests of not only the
region as a whole but also each individual country, the head of the Armenian
delegation Gagik Minassyan said at a press-conference after the PA BSEC 27th
meeting in Yerevan. This principle is also applicable to the restart of the
Kars-Gyumri railroad, which is good for Armenia, while the
Kars-Tbilisi-Akhalkalaki railroad is aimed at the country's isolation. The head
of the Azeri delegation to PA BSEC Asaf Hajiyev said that he fully agrees with
Minassya concerning Kars-Gyumri. At the same time, he noted that nobody has the
right to prevent the establishment of direct railroad communication between
Azerbaijan and Turkey - the Kars-Tbilisi-Akhalkalaki railroad contributes to
this and also complies with the PA BSEC requirements.-0-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000p4
SMALL HPP PUT INTO OPERATION IN ARMENIAN VILLAGE
173 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
ENERGY
Yerevan, June 8. /ARKA/. A small hydro-power plant with a capacity of 30 kw has
been put into operation in the Molokan village of Lermontovo, Lori region,
Armenia. The PA Consulting Company, which is one of the participants in the
project, reported that the project cost $32.1th, $22.47 of which were provided
under the USAID Program of reforms consolidation and energy security, and the
rest by Director of the farm in the village of Lermontovo Hrair Hovivyan.
The investments are expected to pay off in three years, and a total of $10,500
are expected to be saved yearly.
The small power plant is an effective energy generating unit for the farmer
Hovivyan, who intends to construct a hotel and a rest home. This will reduce
energy costs and enhance the competitiveness of products and services on the
local market.
The project envisages the installation of another small power generating unit
designed and produced by the KHRAT Company. P.T. -0-- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000jj
HEAD OF RA DELEGATION IN PABSEC: DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY SPHERE IS IMPOSSIBLE
WITHOUT GUARANTEE OF ENERGY SECURITY
182 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
POLITICS
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. During opening of 27th plenary session of the PABSEC
in Yerevan the Head of the Armenian delegation in the PABSEC (Parliamentary Assembly
of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Chairman of the RA NA Standing Committee
on financial-credit, budget and economic affairs Gagik Minasyan said
development of energy sphere is impossible without guarantee of energy
security.
"Armenia that suffered deep energy crisis and is in the process of
development at the moment, as no other country realizes this necessity. This is
the reason why Armenia secures three-staged diversification of the energy
system, its conglomeration", Minasyan emphasized.
He also especially pointed out development of gas pipeline system in Armenia
and high carrying capacity of high-voltage power lines.
Today is the last day of the 27th plenary session of the BSEC Parliamentary
Assembly. The session envisages discussion of problems in trade, technology and
ecology, as well as organizational, economic, trade, technological,
environmental, legal, political and energy issues. S.P --0-- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000jk
FIRST PROGRAMS OF IABP ARMENIAN OFFICE TO BE OF EDUCATIONAL NATURE
171 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
POLITICS
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. During opening ceremony of the International
Association of Business & Parliament (IABP) Armenia Office the Vice-Speaker
of the RA National Assembly Vahan Hovhannisyan said first programs of the
office will be of educational nature.
"These programs will enable deputies to understand what legislation is
necessary for development of the country's economy on the whole and not its
separate branches", Hovhannisyan emphasized.
At the same time he said in Armenia where "business is in the parliament
and parliament in business", IABP schemes will enable to build a
"rational obstacles".
The opening ceremony of the IABP Armenian office was held in Yerevan on June 7.
Armenia became 17th full member of the International Assembly of Business and
Parliament.
At present the coordinative council of the office is formed and includes RA NA
deputies Vahan Hovhannisyan (Chairman), Armen Rustamyan, Manvel Badeyan, Karen
Karapetyan, Gagik Melikyan, Edmund Tsaturyan, Grigor Konjeyan, Alexan
Petrosyan, Alexan Karapetyan. S.P. -0-- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000jl
DIGEST. ARMENIA "VEDI ALCO" COMPANY TO EXPORT 600-700THS BOTTLES OF
WINE IN 2006
142 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
The Armenian "Vedi Alco" Company plans to export 600-700ths bottles
of wine in 2006, said the owner of the company Manvel Ghazaryan. He also
reported that last year the company exported only 250,000 bottles of wine, 70%
of them being exported to Russia.
Ghazaryan also expressed his opinion of the intensification of Armenian
wine-makers' activities on the Russian market. According to him, they should
first of all stand firm on the domestic market. "An average European
consumes 40-50 liters of wine yearly, whereas we consume one liter, giving
preference to vodka," Ghazaryan said.
He said that the current situation gave an impetus to the expansion of Armenian
producers' presence on the Russian market.
"Russian wine niche as free lunch", "Novoye Vremya"
08.06.06
Document ARKA000020060608e268000m9
DIGEST. ARMENIA'S ECONOMIC ENTITIES MUST IMPROVE MANAGEMENT
129 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
Armenia's economic entities must improve their management, stated RA Minister
of Trade and Economic Development Karen Chshmarityan. According to him, 60%-70%
of Armenia's economic entities know about amendments to laws only during
inspections.
He pointed out that local producers have to improve management and marketing to
make progress on foreign markets.
"Our businessmen do not want to spend money on marketing while progress is
very difficult to make without it," Chshmarityan said.
He also addressed the issue of the free niche on Russia's wine and mineral
water market. Chshmarityan stressed that Armenian producers have a great
potential, but it requires well-organized activities and serious work on
marketing.
"AMD devaluation affects economy, "Hayots Ashkharh" 08.06.06
Document ARKA000020060608e268000ma
DIGEST. "NOYAN" JUICES LEADERS IN ARMENIA
109 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
The "Noyan" juices produced by the Armenian "Euroterm"
company have been recognized leaders among local and imported natural juices in
the country, Chairwoman of the national association of consumers
"Anna" Melita Hakobyan reported, presenting the results of a survey
on Armenia's market of natural juices. The survey lasted for eight months and
involved 50 kinds of imported juices and five kinds of locally produced juices.
She added that consumption of locally produced natural juices has doubled in
Armenia over the last two years and constituted 40% of the domestic market.
"Marathon of natural juices on Armenia's market", "168zham"
08.06.06
Document ARKA000020060608e268000mb
DIGEST. $63MLN INVESTED IN 2ND TERMINAL OF ZVARTNOTS AIRPORT
107 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
A total of $63mln have been invested in the construction of the 2nd terminal of
the Armenian "Zvartnots" airport, reported Gevorg Abramyan, Press
Secretary of the "Armenia international Airports" company. He said
that the construction is to be completed in 2007 and the airport will be
capable of serving up to 2mln passengers a year.
Abramyan reported that $8mln have been spent on the repair of the runway this
year. The repair is to be completed on June 30, after which the normal flight
regime will be resume.
"New airport to serve 2mln passengers", "Azg" 08.06.06
Document ARKA000020060608e268000me
DIGEST. ARMENIA 17TH MEMBER OF ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS AND PARLIAMENT
244 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
Armenia has become the 17th member of the International Association of Business
and Parliament, Vice-Speaker of the RA Parliament Vahan Hovhannisyan told
reporters.
He said that the goal of the organization is applying laws for economic
development and creating bridges between the Parliament and the business
community.
"Considering Armenian reality, when most of Armenian entrepreneurs were
businessmen in the past, it is the separation of business and Parliament rather
than the creation of bridges that may be in question," Hovhannisyan said.
Specifically, it is the development of small and medium business that may be
discussed.
He added that the Association's Charter prohibits lobbyist activities.
"The parliamentarians that are Association members may get information on
certain business fields, which will help them form a better idea of this field
in their law-making activities," he said.
Hovhannisyan added that the parliamentarians cannot abuse this information.
"I think that each businessman will seek to get to a reliable structure,
particularly to Parliament, until confidence in law has been established in the
country," he said.
A national office of the International Association of Business and Parliament
was opened in Yerevan. The office enjoys the assistance of the Association's
structure in Great retain.
The coordinating council of the office has been formed of members of almost all
parliamentary factions, businessmen and representatives of NGOs.
"Businessmen in Parliament build up bridges", "Novoye
Vremya" 08.06.06
Document ARKA000020060608e268000mg
IN 2007-2009 GDP OF ARMENIA TO GROW BY 6% EVERY YEAR
275 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 08. ArmInfo. In 2007-2009, the GDP of Armenia will grow by 6%
every year. This forecast is made in the expenditure program approved by RA
Government today.
Pavel Safarian, RA Deputy Finance and Economy Minister, said the annual
inflation level will make 3% in 2007-2009. The budget deficit will make 2,8% of
the GDP in the period under review. In 2007, the budget profits will make AMD
447 billion, in 2008 it will total to AMD 507 billion and in 2009 it will
amount to AMD 560 billion. It is forecasted that the profits will grow by 0,4%
of GDP every year. As compared with the expected 15,6% of GDP in 2006, in 2007
this indicator will grow to 16%, while in 2009 it will total to 16,4%.
In 2007, the budget expenses will grow by AMD 46,8 billion, in 2008 by AMD 29
billion and in 2009 by AMD 47 billion. Safarian stated that this will help
increase the social expenses, the benefits, pensions and salaries, as well as
the expenses for the activities of the state management bodies and for the
defense needs. In 2007, the minimal salary will grow from AMD 15000 to AMD
20000, while in 2009 it will make AMD 30000. The base salary of the state
officials will grow from AMD 30 thousand to AMD 40 thousand.
Safarian stated that every year RA Government elaborates the expenditure
program for the next three years. The program should be submitted for the
approvement of the Parliament till July 1. -miu-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000ru
RUSSIAN SENATOR OFFERS COOPERATION IN NUCLEAR ENERGETICS TO ARMENIA
131 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 08. ArmInfo. There are scientists in Armenia that are well aware
of all the technical processes and are able to make great contribution to the
creation of contemporary nuclear technology processes in the sphere of NPP
construction. Aleksander Dzasokhov, member of Council of Federation of Russia,
said this in the interview to ArmInfo.
He emphasized that Russia is one of the countries that are for the development
of nuclear energetics, while Armenia is a member of the club of states that
utilize peaceful nuclear. "I believe that the intention of RA Government
to build a new NPP creates new opportunities for cooperation. Moreover, Russia
and Armenia could cooperate in the third countries thanks to their joint
projects," he said.-miu-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000rt
MegaFon silent on ArmenTel bid
74 words
8 June 2006
RosBusinessConsulting
English
(c) 2006 RosBusinessConsulting
MegaFon has not submitted a bid for the acquisition of Armenian
telecommunications provider ArmenTel, but considers the asset of interest,
MegaFon's press secretary Marina Belasheva told RBC. According to her, Armenia
appeals to the company as an area for the expansion of its network, but so do
other countries in the CIS. However, Belasheva could neither confirm nor
comment on allegations of MegaFon's participation in the tender.
Document ROSNEW0020060608e26800107
THERE WILL BE NO WAR BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN AND NAGORNY KARABAKH: ARMENIAN
PARLIAMENT SPEAKER
164 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. Azerbaijan will try to use all possible ways to
resolve the Karabakh conflict by peace, the head of the Azeri delegation to PA
BSEC Asaf Hajiyev said at a press-conference following the PA BSEC 27th meeting
in Yerevan.
But when all ways are exhausted the situation will change completely and will
require new approaches including militarist. Speaker of the Armenian parliament
Tigran Torossyan said that nobody can seriously consider the possibility of
military resolution of the Karabakh conflict. Armenia and Azerbaijan do not
live in isolation but in an international community that will not allow
military actions in the Karabakh conflict zone. There is no international
organization that will support the resumption of war in Karabakh and the
present militarist statements are just propaganda. There will be no war between
Armenia and Azerbaijan as both sides remember the bitter lessons of the war,
Torossyan said.-0-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000p2
VARTAN OSKANIAN:NEGOTIATIONS OF YEREVAN WITH EU DELAYED BEACUSE OF PROBLEMS
WITH NEIGHBORS
157 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 08. ArmInfo. Vartan Oskanian, RA Foreign Minister, conditioned
the slow tempo of Yerevan's negotiation's with EU within the framework of
"New Neighborhood" initiative by the current problems of the
neighbors with EU. He stated this at today's press conference.
Mr. Oskanian reminded that the negotiations between Armenia and EU are
officially completed. Though, from the aspect of the content, there are almost
no unsettled issues. "I even think that in our case there is no need in
the next tour," he said. At the same time, he added that the process faces
certain obstacles conditioned by the fact that EU hasn't decided "to
separate" the three South Caucasus states and work with each of them
separately. "EU wants to cooperate with "the group" of the three
republics, but our neighbors still have some unsettled problems," he
stated.-miu-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000p1
DELEGATES OF 27 SESSION OF PA OBSEC: CONFLICTS SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY
ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONAL COOPERATION
257 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. The problems and conflicts in the Black Sea region
should be resolved on the basis of common values, which unite all the peoples
of the region, RA Parliament speaker Tigran Torossyan said at today's
press-conference based on the results of the 27th plenary session of PA OBSEC
in Yerevan.
In his turn, the Head of the Armenian delegation in PA OBSEC, Gagik Minassyan,
the chairman of the Parliament Commission for financial-budget and credit
issues, stressed that solution of many regional problems can be achieved
exactly by economic cooperation. At the same time, he expressed discontent with
isolation of Armenia from economic projects, which hinders the regional
cooperation establishment. Asaf Hajiyev, the Head of the Azerbaijan delegation
in PA OBSEC, expressed a position, contrary to the Armenian parliamentarians.
According to him, joint projects can be started to be implemented after the
Karabakh conflict settlement and peace establishment in the region. Hajiyev
does not hesitate the Karabakh conflict will be settled at last.
Alexander Dzasokhov, the Head of the Russian delegation in PA OBSEC, noted,
there are two approaches at present in the regional cooperation establishment
and resolution of conflicts. He welcomed the RA President's position, reflected
in the message to the delegates of the PA OBSEC 27th session. "The
President Robert Kocharyan emphasized in his message that establishment of
social-economic and transport cooperation in the region will promote the
conflicts resolution", Dzasokhov said.
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000ji
DIGEST. TURKEY WANTS OPEN BORDER WITH ARMENIA
96 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
Turkey wants to open the border with Armenia, the member of the Turkish
delegation to the BSEC Parliamentary Assembly Mehmed Sevigen stated at the 27th
plenary meeting of the BSEC PA General Assembly.
He stressed that full-scale economic cooperation is impossible without open
borders.
Speaking of the admission of the Armenian Genocide, Sevigen said that Armenia
must stop defining those events as genocide and leave the issue to historians.
He added that Turkey has opened its archives for this purpose.
"Want to open", "Hayots Ashkharh" 08.06.06
Document ARKA000020060608e268000mh
DIGEST. 200 ARMENIAN WOMEN INVOLVED IN TRAFFICKING
96 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
Two hundred Armenian women are currently involved in trafficking, Ambassador John
Miller, Director of the Office for Monitoring and Human Trafficking Control, US
Department of State, stated at a video conference organized by the US Embassy
in Armenia.
According to him, Armenia shows some progress in trafficking control, but much
has to be done. Armenian public believes that the country's law-enforcement
system is very corrupt, which has a negative influence on trafficking control,
Miller said.
"In trafficking we are involved as well", "168 zham"
08.06.06
Document ARKA000020060608e268000mf
DIGEST. ARMENIAN-IRANIAN TECHNICAL COMMITTEE TO APPROVE FINANCIAL OF HPP
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
138 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
At its meeting within the next ten days, the Armenian-Iranian Technical
Committee is to approved a scheme of financing the construction of two
hydro-power plants on the Arax River. RA Depiuty Minister of Energy Ara
Simonyan reported that an agreement on the meeting was reached during a visit
paid to Iran by an Armenian delegation led by RA Minister of Energy Armen
Movsisyan on May 15-18.
The meeting is supposed to specify numerous issues related to the project. An
intergovernmental agreement is expected to be signed this year because the
matter concerns the construction of two hydro-power plants in Armenia and in
Iran. The construction is to get under way early in 2007.
"Two HPPs on agenda", "Golos Armenii" 08.06.06
Document ARKA000020060608e268000mc
OSCE AMBASSADOR: CREATION OF JOBS IN ARMENIA BEST MECHANISM TO COMBAT
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
336 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. Creation of new jobs in Armenia is the best mechanism
of an effective fight against trafficking in persons, OSCE Ambassador Vladimir
Pryakhin told ArmInfo.
He said the dynamics of the growth of crimes in the sphere is depressing. The
number of the emigrating victims of trafficking does not decrease, which is a
result of the unemployment in Armenia, first of all, Ambassador Pryakhin said.
The phenomenon of trafficking in human beings is wide- spread in the
post-Soviet states with transitional economy as the heavy economic situation
makes women accept doubtful proposals to earn their living, he said. Besides,
general economic development brings more incomes to the rich sections of the
population opening new opportunities for sexual exploitation of women. It
requires more efforts to eradicate this evil. It can be overcome, and we should
fight it by opening new jobs, Vladimir Pryakhin said. OSCE Yerevan office
effectively cooperates with the Armenian law-enforcement bodies in the sphere
of Anti-trafficking. <We feel their support, and they also rely on us. We
have no problems with the Armenian authorities in this connection,>
Ambassador Pryakhin said.
In his welcoming speech at the meeting devoted to development of a new National
Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings and the implementation of
the 2004-2006 National Action Plan, Vladimir Pryakhin said OSCE's position in
the given issue is clear: <The persons who became victims of trafficking in
human beigns are victims of a serious crime, their rights were seriously infringed.>
<A comprehensive national strategy is critical in achieving success in
combating trafficking in humans in Armenia and elsewhere,> said Ambassador
Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. He emphasized the
significance of the OSCE Action Plan, which provides a comprehensive toolkit to
combat trafficking through a multidimensional approach, covering protection of
victims, prevention of trafficking and prosecution of those who facilitate or
commit the crime.
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000gq
OSCE YEREVAN OFFICE TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMS OF IABP ARMENIAN
OFFICE
204 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
POLITICS
YEREVAN, June 1. /ARKA/. At the Opening ceremony of the International
Association of Business & Parliament (IABP) Armenia Office in Yerevan the
Head of the OSCE Yerevan Office, Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin said his OSCE
Yerevan office will support implementation of programs of the IABP Armenian
office.
"Cooperation of business, parliament and society is of great importance
for our office, since it's the shortest way to democracy", Pryakhin
emphasized.
He said the OSCE Yerevan office will support implementation of especially those
programs, which will be connected with small and medium entrepreneurship in
Armenia.
"Without development of small and medium entrepreneurship democracy is
impossible, since this business is the basis of firm democracy", Pryakhin
finds.
The opening ceremony of the IABP Armenian office was held in Yerevan on June 7.
Armenia became 17th full member of the International Assembly of Business and
Parliament.
Opened and legally registered IABP office has the guarantee and support of the
organizations' structure functioning in Great office Britain that secures
transparency and uncorruptedness of its activities, and may be possible
resource for the RA National Assembly from the viewpoint of exchange of
international experience. S.P.--0-- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000jm
OSKANIAN ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO ESTABLISHMENT OF LEGAL-AGREEMENT FIELD BETWEEN
ARMENIA AND BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
180 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
POLITICS
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. During the meeting of the Newly-appointed Ambassador
of Bosnia-Herzegovina in Armenia Enver Halilovich (residence in Moscow) the RA
Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian said he attaches importance to
establishment of legal-agreement field between Armenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina,
which will contribute to deepening and stirring up of relations between the two
countries ¬¥¦¤ã ¤¢ã¬ï áâà ¬¨.
Oskanian emphasized that it is especially important since relations between
Armenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina are in the initial stage¥, the Press and
Information Department of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.
During the conversation following the solemn ceremony of handing in to Oskanian
copies of Halelovich's credentials, Oskanian congratulated Halelovich on his
assuming the office and wished success in this high mission.
Enver Halilovich was born in 1954. He has graduated from the University of
Pristina and Sarajevo. Halelovich knows English and Russian languages and since
2005 has been the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Russia. S.P. --0- ??
?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000ji
ARMENIAN PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES RUSSIAN PEOPLE
134 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
POLITICS
Yerevan, June 8. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan has visited the RF
Embassy in Armenia on the occasion of the National Holiday of Russia - Day of
Declaration on State Sovereignty.
At a meeting with RF Ambassador to Russia Nikolay Pavlov, the RA President
conveyed his congratulations to the Russian people on the Day of Russia marked
on June 12. President Kocharyan also stressed the importance of consolidating
Armenian-Russian strategic partnership and expanding mutually advantageous
cooperation.
On June 12, 1990, the 1st congress of People's Deputies of Russia adopted a
Declaration on sovereignty of the Russian Federation. In 1994, this day was
declared a state holiday and an official day-off. Day of Russia is the main
national holiday in Russia's modern history. P.T. -0-- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000jh
ARMENIAN FM: DIALOGUE BETWEEN ARMENIA AND TURKEY HAS ALWAYS EXISTED
158 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. The dialogue between Armenia and Turkey has always
existed, Vardan Oskanyan, Foreign Minister of Armenia, said at a press
conference, Thursday, when asked about the reports of the Turkish press on
meetings of the two countries representatives and if there are reasons for
activation of the contacts with Turkey. The countries have always been in
contact and different meetings were regularly held, including meetings of
deputy foreign ministers. <And it is not a secret,> the minister said. At
the same time, he refuted the reports by the Turkish press that the contacts
starter after relevant correspondence of Turkish Prime Minister and President
of Armenia.
<The meetings bear no relation to these letters. There have always been ties
between the states and they will probably be in future. However, there is no
news on the Armenian-Turkish relation at the moment,> the minister said. -M-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e268000b5
AZERBAIJANI SPEAKER CONGRATULATES HIS ARMENIAN COLLEAGUE
192 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Oktay Asadov
sent a congratulation message to his Armenian counterpart Tigran Torosyan on
the election and wished him success. In his message, Oktay Asadov invited all
the delegates of the 27th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PA OBSEC) to Baku, which
"has been known with its internationalism and tolerance ." Asaf
Hajiyev, Head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PA OBSEC, read out the message
in the Armenian National Assembly. PA OBSEC CIO, Speaker of the Armenian
Parliament, Tigran Torosyan, expressed confidence that "everything will
last good in Baku." However, Asaf Hajiyev told journalists he is not sure
that the Armenian delegation will take part in the September Session of PA
OBSEC in Baku.
Asked for the motives of his uncertainty, he said: "How can I know, maybe,
war starts before it." PA OBSEC Vice Chairman for Economic, Trade,
Technological and Ecological Affairs, David Saganelidzeh thanked Armenia for
warm reception. However, he said that two issues have remained unsettled: who
makes barbecue better and whose brandy is the best. -M-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e2680008d
ARRIVAL HALL AT ARMENIAN ZVARTNOTS AIRPORT TO BE PUT INTO SERVICE IN SEPT, 2006
279 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
AVIATION
Yerevan, June 8. /ARKA/. The arrival hall of the 2nd terminal of the
"Zvartnots" airport in Yerevan is to be put into service early in
September 2006, Director of the "Armenia International Airports" CJSC
Juan Pablo Guechichyan told reporters.
He pointed out that that total cost of construction of new terminals is
$188mln, $63mln being the cost of construction of the 2nd terminal and the
ramp. He said that under the master plan the investments in the
"Zvartnots" airport are to total $253ln.
Guechichyan also pointed out that the work at the 2nd terminal will be
completed in April-May 2007.
The next stage envisages the construction of the 3rd terminal, which is to
serve as a free zone. According to him, the 3rd terminal will house shops and
offices of air carriers. The total area of the 3rd terminal is about 17-18ths
sq meters, Guechichyan said.
In his turn, Gevorg Abramyan, Press Secretary of the Armenia International
Airports" Company, pointed out that the 2nd terminal can serve up to 2mln
passengers instead of 1.2mln now. After the work has been completed, it will be
capable of serving up to 3mln passengers. The total area of the new terminal is
18.5ths sq meters, he said.
The foundation of the 2nd terminal was laid on June 7, 2004, and active
construction got under way in March 2005.
On June 9, 2002, the "Armenia International Airports" Company
obtained the concession of the "Zvartnots" airport for 30 years under
a contract between the RA Government and the Argentinian "Corporacion
America" Company. P.T. -0-- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000gv
ARMENIAN FM: ARMENIAN HOPES THE SITUATION WITH IRAN WILL BE SETTLED THROUGH
PEACEFUL NEGOTIATIONS
140 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. Armenia welcomes the last developments around Iran,
Vardan Osknanyan, Foreign Minister of Armenia, said at a press conference,
Thursday.
<We also believe that the issue must be settled through a dialogue,> the
foreign minister said. He mentioned the importance of the issue for Armenia
that borders Iran. <So we welcome any progress in this issue: the visit of
EU Representative Javier Solana, the proposal of new 'package' which was not
rejected by Iran, the USA's proposal to establish direct contacts with
Iran,> the minister said. At the same time, he expressed hope that the
positive events of the last week will bring positive results and the issue will
be settled through peaceful negotiations, without sanctions and application of
military force. -m-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e2680008e
RA FOREIGN MINISTER ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO EP'S ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF
DIALOGUE BETWEEN ARMENIA AND EU
177 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
POLITICS
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. During his meeting with the Vice-Speaker of the Euro
Parliament Edward Mcmillan-Scott the RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan
Oskanian said he attaches great importance to the role of the Euro Parliament
in the development of dialogue between Armenia and EU, the Press and
Information Department of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.
Interlocutors with satisfaction pointed out the fact of active cooperation and
development of relations between Armenian parliamentarian and Euro Parliament,
particularly touching upon issues connected with work of the session of
Armenia-EU Committee of Parliamentary Cooperation held in 2006.
Upon Scotts' request Oskanian presented in outline recent developments in the
process of peace settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Armenian's
position regarding this problem.
The EP Vice-Speaker is in Yerevan in order to take part in the opening ceremony
of the national office of the International Association of Business and
Parliament. S.P. -0--- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000gw
IMF, WB DUTCH GROUP TO MEET IN YEREVAN
120 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
FINANCIAL NEWS
Yerevan, June 8. /ARKA/. A representative meeting of the Dutch group at the
International monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) is to be held in Yerevan
on June 17-18, the RA Ministry of Finance and Economy reports.
During the annual meeting, a number of high-ranking officials, particularly
Ministers of Finance and Presidents of Central Banks of 12 group members, are
to arrive in Armenia.
Among the meeting participants will be IMF Managing Director Rodrigo Rato, WB
Vice-President Danny Leiptziger, and others.
The IMF and WB Dutch group includes Armenia, Holland, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Bulgaria, Spain, Croatia, Moldoa, Georgia, Romania, Ukraine, Cyprus and
Macedonia. P.T. -0-- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000gt
"BARSEL" LTD LEADER ON ARMENIA'S BITUMEN MARKET
108 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
COMPANIES
Yerevan, June 8. /ARKA/. The "Barsel" Ltd dominates Armenia's bitumen
market - 74.3% or 13ths tons in 2005 against 36.3% in 2004.
Head of the Analytical Department, RA Commission for Protection of Economic
Competition Armine Hakobyan reported that the sale of bitumen totaled 17.4ths tons
in Armenia in 2005, a 3.9% decrease compared to 2004.
Hakobyan said that in conformity with the RA Law "On protection of
economic competition" the Commission decided that Armenia's entire
territory is the area for bitumen sale, as this product is available to all
economic entities. P.T. -0- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000gs
ARMENIA-AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENTIAL MEETING IN BUCHAREST POSITIVE FACT
149 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
POLITICS
STEPANAKERT, June 8. /ARKA/. The Armenian-Azerbaijani presidential meeting in
Bucharest is a positive fact, Chairman of the Standing Commission for Foreign
Relations, National Assembly of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) Vahram
Atanesyan told reporters.
"Natural, no here-and-now breakthrough is possible in this process. On the
other hand, time and a profound analysis will show to what extent this process
is in conformity with the NKR's position," he said.
Atanesyan stressed that a final and comprehensive settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is impossible without the NKR's full-scale
involvement in this process.
The Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents held a meeting in Bucharest on June 4.
The previous meeting was held in Rambouillet, France, on February 10-11, 2006,
with the participation of the OSCE MG Co-Chairs and French President Jacque
Chirac. P.T. -0-- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000gr
RA PRESIDENT VISITED EMBASSY OF RUSSIA IN ARMENIA
80 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. In view of the coming national holiday of the Russian
Federation, the Day of adoption of a Declaration on Independence, RA President
Robert Kocharyan has visited today the Embassy of Russia in Armenia.
As ArmInfo was told in the RA President's press office, R. Kocharyan noted in
his congratulatory speech the importance of strengthening the Armenian-Russian
strategic partnership and development of a mutually beneficial cooperation.
-na-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e2680005l
USA'S SUPPORT TO RA FOR STRUGGLE AGAINST TRAFFICKING AMOUNTS TO $600 THSD
103 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
POLITICS
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. During Yerevan-Washington video-conference the Head of
the US Departments' Office on Monitoring and Struggle against Trafficking,
Chief Adviser of Condoleezza Rice, Ambassador John Miller said USA's support to
Armenia provided for struggle against trafficking amounts to $600 thsd.
According to him this money was given for organization of training courses for
collaborators of the law machinery and Armenian journalists.
"These programs gave positive results,particularly in the sphere of
increase of awareness level among officials and society", Miller said.
S.P.--0- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000dz
ILHAM ALIYEV: WE'LL NEVER AGREE WITH KARABAKH SEPARATION FROM AZERBAIJAN OR
DECLARATION OF ITS INDEPENDENCE
352 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. "We'll never agree with separation of Karabakh
from Azerbaijan or declaration of its independence", President of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in an interview to the American "NBC" TV
channel.
As the Azerbaijan "AzerTaj" State Agency informs, I. Aliyev found difficulty
in saying when the conflict will find its resolution as "it depends not
only on Azerbaijan". At the same time, he expressed conviction that the
Karabakh conflict will be settled on the basis of norms and principles of the
international right. "Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is recognized by
all states, the whole international community, the UN, except Armenia. The UN
Security Council has adopted four resolutions which require unconditional
withdrawal of Armenian troops from the territory of Azerbaijan. There are
resolutions of the Council of Europe, the Islamic Conference Organization and
other international organizations which require recovery of Azerbaijan's
territorial integrity and withdrawal of the Armenian occupational troops from
our territories. All this serves a basis for the conflict settlement",
Aliyev said. He state again about the readiness of Azerbaijan authorities to
give the highest status of autonomy in the world to the Armenians living in
Nagorno Karabakh, including different elements of self-administration, with
political and security guarantees. "But I want to note once more that this
should happen only within the frames of the territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan. Undelayable withdrawal of the Armenian occupational troops from our
territory is the primary condition of any peaceful settlement", Aliyev
said. Asked about the position of Azerbaijan on the Iranian problem, I. Aliyev
said that Azerbaijan will not support the fulfillment of any military
operations against the neighboring Iran. "In our opinion, if there is
still a possibility of peaceful settlement of the conflict, one should work to
the uttermost in this direction. I think the possibilities of peaceful
settlement of the issue are not exhausted. It is necessary to consider these
possibilities and make a decision. The decision made should not violate a
stability in the whole region", Aliyev said.
Document ARMNFE0020060608e2680002v
OIC SUPPORTS AZERBAIJAN IN CONFLICT OVER NAGORNY KARABAKH
151 words
8 June 2006
ARMINFO News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARMINFO News Agency. Quotation to ARMINFO and its sources is required
in case of citing or republication.
Yerevan, June 8. ArmInfo. "We support Azerbaijan in its fair aspiration to
get back its lands which are currently under occupation," Elmeletdin
Ikhsanoghlu, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference, said
at a press conference in Moscow, Wednesday. "We welcome any peaceful
negotiations of the parties. We support Azerbaijan and call Armenia for cooperation
in the international arena with all those striving to resolve the conflict
either within the frames of OSCE MG, EU, UN or other international
structures," OIC Secretary General said. As regards the actions of protest
by the Azerbaijanis in Iran, OIC Secretary General said he had no relevant
information. "However, as regards the settlement of such issues, we start
out from recognition of the territorial integrity of states and urge all the
countries to respect human rights and strive for peaceful resolution of such
issues," he said. -M-
Document ARMNFE0020060608e2680002t
ARMENIAN-AZERBAIJANI COOPERATION POSSIBLE TO DISCUSS AFTER SETTLEMENT OF
NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT
176 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
POLITICS
Yerevan, June 8. /ARKA/.Armenian-Azerbaijani cooperation can be discussed only
after the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Head of the Azerbaijani
delegation to the BSEC Parliamentary Assembly Asaf Gajiev told reporters. Gajiev
is taking part in the 27th meeting of the BSEC PA General Assembly.
"Armenia and Azerbaijan are at war now. It is pointless to speak of
cooperation before war is stopped," he said.
Gajiev pointed out that Armenia and Azerbaijan are closest neighbors and
bilateral cooperation will sooner or later be established after the settlement
of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Gajiev also pointed out that a hope for the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement does
exist, evidence of this being the Armenian-Azerbaijani presidential talks. The
latest meeting was held in Bucharest on June 4 during the Black Sea forum of
dialogue and partnership.
In his turn, the RA Foreign Minister stated that the Armenian and Azerbaijani
Presidents failed to give a positive impetus to the settlement process. P.T.
-0-- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000e1
EP VICE-SPEAKER DOES NOT SEE REASONS WHY ARMENIA CAN'T BECOME EU MEMBER IN
COMING 10 YEARS
153 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
POLITICS
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. "I don't see reasons why Armenia can't become a
member of the European Union in coming 10 years", the Vice Speaker of the
Euro Parliament Edward Macmillan Scott told journalists.
"EU is not a close organization. It is open for Armenia and Russia, when
the time comes", Scott said.
According to him, today Croatia is included in the list of candidates for EU
membership and Serbia can enter the union as well after solving its problems
connected with military criminals.
At the same time Scott said he himself treats Turkey's entering the EU with
some reservation.
The EP Vice-Speaker is in Yerevan in order to take part in the opening ceremony
of the national office of the International Association of Business and Parliament.
S.P. -0--- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000e0
"SHIRAK WATER CANAL" CJSC EXCLUSIVE SUPPLIER OF WATER TO 37 ARMENIAN
COMMUNITIES
202 words
8 June 2006
ARKA - News (Armenia)
English
(c) 2006 ARKA News Agency
WATER ECONOMY
Yerevan, June 8. /ARKA/. The "Shirak Water Canal" CJSC is the
exclusive supplier of drinking water to 37 Armenian communities reported
Alexander Japaridze, Head of the Register Department, RA Commission for
Protection of Economic Competition.
In 2005, the company supplied drinking water to Gyumri, Maralik and 35
communities in the Shirak region, he said.
According to him, a total of AMD 7.988mln cubic meters of water were supplied
to the communities in 2005. One cubic meter of water cost AMD 76.98.
Japaridze also pointed out that based on the RA Law on Protection of Economic
Competition, the Commission decided to regard drinking water as one of the
products on Armenia's water market. The Commission decided to consider the
territory of communities a geographical area of the drinking water market and
recognize the "Shirak Water Canal" the exclusive water supplier to
the aforementioned communities in Armenia.
The information of the water market area and on the volume of water supplied in
2005 was provided by the RA Water Economy Committee as well as by the economic
entities working on the drinking water market. P.T. -0-- ?? ?? ?? ??
Document ARKA000020060608e268000dy
© 2006 Dow Jones Reuters Business Interactive LLC (trading as Factiva). All
rights reserved.
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