Tigran Sargsyan Says to Have Bright Armenia to extend Future If Ttoday’s Hero is base lease for the Educated and 49 years PAGE 4 Intellectual Youth Page 2 ARMENIA HIGHLIGHTS

Weekly Digest of the

August 17 -23 2010 THEMA

“Quote of the week” “The modern world is first of all based on the intellectual competition, and not a competition of arms and armaments. We will have a bright future if the hero of today is the educated and intellectual youth

Tigran Sargsyan Prime minister of Armenia Russian President Dmitry medvedev’s first state visit in Armenia ussian President Dmitry Medvedev arrived in reception in the Armenian President’s residence, RArmenia on a state visit on August 19 evening. Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev thanked his Arme- It was the first ever state visit in the his- nian counterpart for warm welcome. Upcoming Events tory of Armenian-Russian relations. “Our relations date back centuries, indeed. The Russian President started his vis- And what’s important, our nations tradition- September 1: Armenia Marks the it with attending the Armenian Geno- ally supported each other at the most dramatic day of science cide Memorial. Then he was welcomed historical junctures. There are many exam- September 16-17: to host in his Armenian counterpart’s residence. ples to prove it,” President Medvedev noted. Fruitfull Armenia winemaking fo- On Friday, August 20, official talks was followed He also said that Armenia was among the rum by signing of documents and a joint press confer- first countries to reach a helping hand to Rus- September 21: Armenia celebrates ence of Dmitry Medvedev and Serzh Sargsyan. sia during the recent forest fires, bring- the Indipendence day On the same day, the President took part in the ing great deal of moral and material support. opening ceremony of the Hill of Honor in Gyumri. “Russian-Armenian relations, bilateral as well as Upon completion of the state visit, Dmitry in the framework of the CSTO and CIS, are re- Medvedev attended the informal summit of lead- ally very close. They can be called exemplary in ers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. every respect. Our dialogue is mutually beneficial, USEFUL LINKS On August 19 evening, Armenian and Rus- both at the personal and regional levels, which is • www.president.am sian Presidents as well as their wives walked important and commendable,” Medvedev said. • www.gov.am in the Republic Square, where the every- ”I would like to personally thank the leadership • www.parliament.am day program of Singing Fountains was re- of Armenia, all our counterparts for strength- • www.mfa.am placed by Russian composers’ works. ening our relations, for their sincere will to de- • www.armenpress.am Serzh Sargsyan and Dmitry Medvedev also had velop our partnership and expand ties. This • www.panarmenian.net a talk with Yerevan residents passing by and then state visit is a symbol of that very partnership.” • www.matenadaran.am visited a café in the center of the city. During a August 19-20, 2010 www.panarmenian.net ARMENIA HIGHLIGHTS CHRONICA Tigran Sargsyan Says Armenia to Have Bright Future If Tto- Issues on implementation day’s Hero is the Educated and Intellectual Young of the “Candle” project menpress that the Prime Minister assured discussed the participants that the RA Government will do its best to promote the youth move- rime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, ment in Armenia. According to the Prime Pwho is also the head of the Coun- Minister, the youth gatherings of ‘Baze’ cil coordinating the implementation may become the best tool for unting the of the “Candle” project, chaired today youth, desigining joint projects and invest- the session of the council to discuss a ing a new culture. Tigran Sargsyan congrat- number of agenda issues. ulated the participants on the 20th anniver- Governmental press office told Ar- A Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan sary of the RA Declaration of Independence. menpress that with the first issue of the Rpar took on August 23 in the open- ‘The day is significant, as the Armenian na- agenda the members were informed ing ceremony of ‘Baze 2010’ youth gath- tion celebrates the day of adoption of the In- about the opportunities and results of ering, organized in Tsakhkadzor by the dependence Declaration. Most of you were international cooperation for the im- Armenian Youth Foundation. More than born in that period, when we were forming plementation of the “Candle” project. 280 young people from Armenia, Artsa- the bases of the Republic of Armenia. The The session also discussed the sug- kh and Javakhk were invited to the youth adoption of the Declaration of Independ- gestions presented by the international gathering. Prime Minister Tigran Sarg- ence had a historical significance for our scientific organizations and experts for syan greeted the participants of the youth nation, as the principles, involved in the financing the implementation of the gathering and mentioned that the year Declaration, became bases for the creation project. was full of pan-Armenian youth events. of the Republic of Armenia via laws and August 18, 2010 www.armenpress.am The Governmental press service told Ar- normative acts” the Prime Minister said. August 23, 2010 www.armenpress.am Israel, Russia, Ukraine Sergei Lavrov: Russia will never supply arms if and Armenia to form destabilization threat emerges airline alliance ussia will never supply arms if l Al (Israel), UTair (Russia), Aero- Rdestabilization threat emerges, Esvit Airlines (Ukraine) and Arma- Russian Foreign Minister said. via (Armenia) have signed a declara- “Purchase of S-300 by a country caus- tion on formation of an airline alliance es panic about possible destabilization. to be named Western-Eastern (WE). As a matter of fact, S-300 is a defense The alliance was initiated by El Al, system which is deployed in compli- whose joining the existing alliances ance with international norms,” Sergei has always been prevented by different Lavrov said in an interview with Pub- Arab airlines. Negotiations on expan- lic Armenian Television, when com- sion are under way with CIS and West- menting on reports on possible sale of war. I was personally present at the ern European countries. S-300 to . meeting between Presidents of Rus- August 17, 2010, www.panarmaneian.net sia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, who “S-300 is meant to defend the territory Computer games from missile attacks. I am confident signed documents excluding use of championship launched that no country in the region we are force for resolution of the Karabakh speaking about is planning to unleash conflict,” he said. in Yerevan August 19, 2010 www.panarmenian.net rmenian computer games champion- Aship, hosting 80 gamers aged 14-16, was Roman Berezovsky invited to join Armenia for UEFA launched in Yerevan on August 21. As head EURO 2012 Championship qualifiers of Armenia’s professional cybersport league, Edgar Sahakyan, told a PanARMENIAN. 7 (v Macedonia on Skopje). Sharing Net reporter, parents’ written permission was his impressions of Armenia in an in- required to register underage participants. terview published on the club’s offi- “Cybersport helps IT progress, gaining im- cial website, Berezovsky said, “I know portance in view of current technology re- Armenian and understand national quirements. Besides, computer game culture, mentality and traditions. Armenians as one of the modern entertainment types are hospitable people, and thanks to should also be developed,” Sahakyan con- C Khimki goalkeeper Roman Ber- this hospitality, a new player can more cluded.FIFA 10 and TrackMania Nations ezovsky was invited to join Arme- F easily adapt in an Armenian club than Forever were chosen as main competition nia for UEFA EURO 2012 Champion- games for the championship. in Russian.” August 21, 2010 ship qualifiers on September 3, 2010 (v August 17, 2010 www.panarmenian.net Ireland in Yerevan) and on September full story www.panarmenian.net

2 AH ARMENIA HIGHLIGHTS RES PUBLICA Moscow to host CSTO with parties agreeing on the necessity Armenia, Russia map out summit in December to take them to a new level, Arme- new cooperation plans nian President Serzh Sargsyan stated at the briefing. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, in turn, stated that the exchange of views was held in ac- cordance with the scenario planned. “CSTO is a real force capable of influ- encing both regional and CSTO-space developments. We’ve outlined future plans to be given detailed discussion t first sitting of informal CSTO at the Moscow’s CSTO summit in De- joint statement was adopted upon Asummit in Yerevan, the partici- cember. As you’re aware, Belarus will A completion of the Russian Presi- pants exchanged views on a range of be the next CSTO chairing country. dent Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Ar- issues including situation in Kyr- Today, President Alexander Lukash- menia. gyzstan and possibilities of aiding enko confirmed his readiness to head “The current condition and prospects the republic. Collaboration within or- the organization during the next pe- of Armenian-Russian strategic part- ganization frameworks was discussed, riod,” Dmitry Medvedev emphasized. nership were discussed during the August 20, 2010 www.panarmenian.net talks. The parties exchanged views on the most urgent regional and interna- Serzh Sargsyan: Armenia Armenian-Russian tional issues. They also expressed will- expects to fulfill cooperation secures sta- ingness to further constructive bilat- its international bility in South Caucasus eral collaboration in the framework of obligations CSTO and CIS as well as within inter- national organizations, including the here are no states without contra- UN and OSCE,” the statement says. Tdictions, controversies or unre- It goes on saying, “Russian President solved conflicts, RA President Serzh Dmitry Medvedev’s initiative for de- Sargsyan stated, commenting on Ar- velopment and conclusion of Euro- menia-Turkey relations. “A search for pean security pact met with approval ways to achieve mutual understanding from the , Serzh should be a civilized answer to exist- Sargsyan… Besides, the Republic of ing challenges. It was with this idea in Armenia and the Russian Federation mind that we initiated rapprochement reception in honor of Russian President confirmed commitment to soonest process with Turkey,” Armenian Presi- AD mitry Medvedev and his spouse was resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh dent stated citing Turkey’s lack of po- organized in the residence of Armenian Presi- conflict through peaceful and accept- dent on August 19 evening. “Mr. Medvedev’s litical will as the reason behind failed able for both sides means. They also visit to Armenia offers an opportunity to dis- attempts at normalization of relations stressed the importance of non-use of with Armenia. “Armenia has to wait cuss the Armenian-Russian cooperation. We are proud of our friendly relations and multi- force, territorial integrity and the right for Turkey to fulfill its international lateral collaboration, which is a major factor of nations to self-determination as the obligations,” said the Armenian leader, for ensuring security and stability in the Cau- basic principles which are mentioned who participated at Mound of Honor casus,” Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in the latest statement issued by the opening ceremony jointly with Rus- said. “I am confident that we will implement OSCE Minsk Group.” sian President Dmitry Medvedev. all bilateral projects,” he added. “Special attention was paid to the ac- August 20, 2010 www.panarmenian.net August 20, 2010 www.panarmenian.net tivity of intergovernmental committee Armenian government ap- Multinational youth camp on economic cooperation… Another proves Clean Motherland launched in Lusakert important component of Armenian- program Russian allied relations is political t RA governmental sitting, headed by outh of national minority commu- and military cooperation,” the state- Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, Clean A nities of Armenia together with ment reads. “The Presidents of Arme- Motherland national program was approved. Y their ethnic Armenian peers will learn nia and Rus sia are confident that the The program aims at improving legislative more about tolerance and human rights field in order to more effectively employ the current stage of relations offers wide at a five-day summer camp which was means for environmental cleansing and pro- opportunities for further development launched today in Lusakert by the UN tection, increasing awareness of environmen- and strengthening of ties for the glory DPI Yerevan Office and its partners. tal issues. of the nations as well as for peace and August 19, 2010 August 19, 2010 full story www.panarmenian.net stability in the Caucasus and in the en- full story www.panarmenian.net tire world.” August 21, 2010 www.panarmenian.net 3 AH ARMENIA HIGHLIGHTS PRO PATRIA Russia to prolong mili- Medvedev, Sargsyan to Russia signs deal to tary presence in Armenia discuss Russia’s investment in Armenia guarantee rmenia said on Wednesday it had Armenia’s security Aagreed to extend the lease on a Russian military base in the South ussia and Armenia have signed Caucasus country until 2044, strength- Ra deal which will keep Russian ening Moscow's military presence in troops in the former Soviet republic for the strategic region.The deal will be years to come. signed during a visit to Yerevan by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Armenian counterpart Serzh on Thursday and Friday. Armenian Sarkisian sealed the agreement in the Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian Armenian capital Yerevan. confirmed the lease extension in an in- Moscow is to extend its lease on a terview with Rossiya-24 television. ussian President Dmitry Medvedev It will prolong for decades Russia's Rand his Armenian counterpart military base in Armenia from 2020 to military presence in Armenia, its chief Serzh Sargsyan will discuss the im- 2044 while reinforcing the garrison of strategic and economic ally in a re- plementation of Russia’s investment 3,000 Russian troops stationed there to gion criss-crossed by pipelines carry- projects in Armenia, including nuclear guarantee Armenia’s security. ing Central Asian and Caspian oil and cooperation between the countries, The pact is likely to set alarm bells gas to Europe. The Russian military during Medvedev’s visit to Yerevan. ringing in neighbouring Azerbaijan also has troops in two breakaway re- The Russian president arrived in Ar- which is locked in a conflict with Yer- gions of neighbouring , where menia on a state visit on Thursday. evan over the breakaway Nagorny Ka- it is building up bases in the wake of a “Nuclear energy is one of the most rabakh region. five-day war over rebel South Ossetia Georgia – which fought a brief war in 2008. Russia and Armenia signed a promising spheres [of cooperation]. An deal in 1995 allowing the Russian base intergovernmental agreement on coop- with Russia two years ago – is equally in the town of Gyumri on Armenia's eration in the construction of a new unlikey to welcome the arrangement closed western border with Turkey to generation nuclear power unit in Arme- which bolsters Moscow’s military operate for 25 years. Nalbandian said nia is being prepared for signing during clout in the South Caucasus. the changes would extend that deal to the visit,” the Kremlin said in a state- August 21, 2010 www.euronews.net 49 years from 1995. He said the deal ment issued ahead of Medvedev’s visit. would spell out that the Russian base Armenia plans to begin building the Armenia to extend Gyumri would help secure the landlocked new nuclear power unit, with a ca- country of 3.2 million people, where base lease for 49 years pacity of 1000WT, in 2011. The cost the spectre of renewed conflict with oil-producing Azerbaijan over rebel of the project could reach $5 bil- Nagorno-Karabakh is never far away. lion. The unit is expected to be op- "And in realising those goals, the Rus- erational by 2017, when the unit cur- sian side will assist in providing Arme- rently in service will be shut down. nia with weapons and modern military A joint Russian-Armenian enterprise equipment," Nalbandian said. Some in has been created to conduct research the Armenian opposition have com- to find out if Armenia has any ura- plained the deal undermines the coun- ussia and Armenia are planning to nium reserves. According to expert sign a protocol to extend the lease try's independence. Russia has sev- estimates, the country could pos- R eral thousand soldiers in Gyumri, who of the Russian military base at Gyumri sess between 30,000 and 60,000 help patrol Armenia's western border for 49 years. with NATO-member Turkey. Ankara metric tons of recoverable uranium. The document may be signed during closed the frontier in 1993 in solidarity Russia has invested a total of $2,4 bil- President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to with close Muslim ally Azerbaijan dur- lion in Armenia’s economy since 1991, Yerevan, Armenian Foreign Minister ing the war over Nagorno-Karabakh. which accounts for about 60 percent of Edward Nalbandian has told reporters. The mountain region threw off Azeri all foreign investment in the country. The 1995 25-year lease agreement will rule in the early 1990s with Armenian Energy, banking, telecommunication, be prolonged for another 49 years, he backing. metallurgy and construction are the said. August 18, 2010 main spheres of Russia’s investment. full story www.af.reuters.com Russia will provide assistance in mod- August 20, 2010 www.en.rian.ru ernizing the Armenian Armed Forces, Edward Nalbandian said. August 18, 2010 www.ruvr.ru "Armenia Highlights" is compiled in association with & DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in "Armenia Highlights" do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Armenia.

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