Armenia, Georgia “Agree” on New Trade Routes to Russia

24 YEARS # 7 (1142) The Noah’s Ark 27 February 23 YEARS 2017 The #28 Noah’s Ark Published(1116) Since 1993 25 July Weekly Newspaper H I G H L I G H T S Նոյյան Տապան շաբաթաթերթ (անգլ./ֆրանս.) 2016 Published Armenia, Georgia “agree”Since 1993 Weekly Newspaper HIGHLIGHTS ÜáÛÛ³Ý î³å³Ý ß³µ³Ã³Ã»ñÃ (³Ý·É. / ýñ³Ýë.) on new trade routes to Russia Hostages Released In Yerevan

Georgia - Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili (L) greets his Armenian counterpart Karen Karapetian in Tbilisi seeSee page p. 2 6 InIn ThisThis IssueIssue Noyan Tapan Press-Center Artsakh Referendum 2017: 76.52% say U.S. Condemns Armed Attack on Armenian Noyan Tapan Press Center holds different discussions, press conferences, yes to Constitutional reform p.5 round tables, teleconferences, seminars each week which are broadcast Police p.5 live on the Internet. We invite you to take advantage of the Center, as well as to place your banner in our Press Room. Tel: 060 35 11 22. Oil prices rise as market shrugs off Armenia Finance Minister seeks to Address: Isahakyan 28, 3rd floor, Yerevan, 0009 Turkey coup bid move on from macro stability p.8p.6 California State Board of Education Noyan Tapan Printing House adoptsDonation expanded raised Armeniandue to SCDM Genocide curriculum p.16 is offering coloured and black and white offset and digital Founder’s participation in printing of books, brochures, booklets, journals, etc with Victorintl marathons Ambartsumian for thoseInternational Science high quality and low prices Tel: 060 35 11 22 Prizesuffering not to frombe awarded oncology this year p.p.12-13p.16 Address: Isahakyan 28, 3rd floor, Yerevan 0009

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Constitutional Refedendum a proof of Artsakh’s committment to democratic processes system of governance that the people of Nagorno-Karabakh consider more relevant to their needs,” he added. “It is commendable that more than hundred international observers representing three dozen countries assessed the Referendum as well organized, transparent and in line with international standards,” Minister Nalbandian said. “The exercise of fundamental freedoms is a universal right that cannot be subject to limitations. For quarter of a century Na- gorno-Karabakh has been conducting processes inherent to democratic societies and there is no doubt that the people of Artsakh have certainly gained the right to live according to the same universal values that the free democratic world enjoys,” the Foreign Minister added. “Once again the people of Artsakh demonstrated that their will to build democratic society is irreversible notwithstanding all odds of “The referendum held on February 20 is yet another evidence of continuous use of force and threat of force, economic blockade and the determination of the people of Artsakh to organise their public other hostile actions perpetrated by Azerbaijan. It does not come as life by democratic processes,”Armenian Foreign Minister Edward a surprise that the ongoing democratic processes in Artsakh are met Nalbandia said in a statement. with such an extreme discontent in Azerbaijan – a country notorious “The current Constitutional Referendum is aimed at choosing the with its human rights violations,” Minister Nalbandian concluded. Armenian Defense Minister meets representatives of OSCE Austrian Chairmanship the OSCE is based on common values and principles, the Defense Minister deemed the Azerbaijani policy of hindering the activity of the Yerevan Office and defaming the initiatives of the OSCE unacceptable. Ambassador Günther Bächler reiterated the importance of intensification of the OSCE efforts towards settlement of the Karabakh conflict and easing of tensions. he voiced hope that the situation around the Ye- revan Office would be solved in compliance with the interests of Armenia and the OSCE. Armenian Defense Minister Vigen the development of democratic institutions The interlocutors exchanged views on Sargsyan received on February 23 Ambas- in Armenia, modernization of electoral sys- the mechanisms of cooperation during the sador Günther Bächler, Special Representa- tems and improvement of human rights. forthcoming parliamentary elections in Ar- tive of the OSCE Austrian Chairmanship for Noting that Armenia’s cooperation with menia. the South Caucasus. The Defense Minister expressed support for the priorities of the Austrian presidency targeted at the settlement of conflicts, easing of tensions and establishment of an atmosphere of trust. Presenting the worrisome situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani line of contact, Vigen Sargsyan attached importance to the efforts towards implementation of an investigation mechanism and stressed the importance of condemnation of the breach of all arm control commitments by Azerbaijan. Referring to the situation around the OSCE Yerevan Office, Vigen Sargsyan valued the role of the Office and the OSCE at large in

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Deadly Fighting Reported In Karabakh ing to “mislead its own people and the international community.” “Azerbaijan`s military-political leadership has been escalating the situation along the Line of Contact and spreading disinformation for several days,” the ministry spokesman, Artsrun Hovannisyan, wrote on his Facebook page. “The Armenian side is observing the ceasefire regime and calling on the Azerbaijani side to refrain from steps aimed at further escalating the situation,” he added. Azerbaijan`s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and army chief of staff, General Nejmeddin Sadiqov, visited the demarcation line around Karabakh just two days before the latest escalation. News reports said they instructed Azerbaijani frontline troops to take Ceasefire violations around Nagorno-Karabakh dramatically “tougher and more resolute measures” in response to what they intensified on February 25, with Karabakh`s Armenian-backed called growing Armenian “provocations.” military saying that it repelled major Azerbaijani attacks at two U.S., Russian and French mediators urged the parties to the sections of the frontline. Karabakh conflict to “adhere strictly” to ceasefire agreements Azerbaijan`s Defense Ministry confirmed deadly fighting along immediately after hosting a meeting between the Armenian and the Karabakh “line of contact” but claimed that it is the Arme- Azerbaijani foreign ministers in Munich on February 16. The nians who attacked its frontline positions. three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group warned that “war is The Karabakh Defense Army said Azerbaijani forces used dem- not an option.” ining machines and other “special means” when they attempted to The mediators also renewed their calls for the warring sides to seize its positions at frontline sections east and southeast of Kara- implement confidence-building agreements that were reached bakh early in the morning. They were pushed back, suffering sig- by the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents last year. The agree- nificant casualties in the process, the army claimed in a statement. ments envisage international investigations of truce violations and “Several [Azerbaijani] corpses are lying in no man`s land,” said deployment of more OSCE observers in the conflict zone. Arme- the statement. “Nobody was killed or wounded on the Armenian nia says that Azerbaijan has been dragging its feet over these safe- side.” guards. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, for its part, said Armenian Such violations have steadily intensified in recent weeks after troops “tried to penetrate our positions.” It reported a “heavy several months of relative calm that followed four-day hostilities combat clash” in an area near southeastern Karabakh where “the around Karabakh in April 2016. The two sides have accused each enemy attempted to capture beneficial positions” but was forced other of using mortars and rocket-propelled grenades on a virtu- to retreat. ally daily basis. “As a result of the combat clash, our armed forces suffered casu- On February 18, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan warned alties,” ministry added, according to the APA news agency. It did Azerbaijan against launching large-scale military operations in not give any numbers. the run-up to Armenia`s parliamentary elections scheduled for The Karabakh Armenian army was quick to deny the Azerbaija- April 2. “Today some in Azerbaijan still have illusions that an Ar- ni claims. “How can a defending side suffer casualties in no man`s menia focused on elections will be very distracted and therefore land?” read an army statement released later in the morning. vulnerable … Any [armed] provocation would receive a worthy Armenia`s Defense Ministry similarly accused Baku of seek- response,” he said. MEPs not on Interpol’s “wanted list,” Armenia’s Ombudsman says Azerbaijan will achieve nothing with gel, Eleni Theocharous and Jaromir Steti- senseless and false statements, Armenia’s na, are carriers of democratic values. The Human Rights Defender has said. visits of foreign guests and their activity “The Members of the European Par- in Artsakh have always and will always liament are not wanted by the Interpol, be lawful.” and this has already been confirmed by “We have to do our best to reach the rec- RA Police,” Ombudsman Arman Tatoy- ognition of Artsakh with its democratic an said, commenting on the information institutions,” the Ombudsman said. that a criminal case has been instigated Arman Tatoyan reiterated his commit- against MEPs Frank Engel, Eleni Theo- ment to work to ensure the democratic charous and Jaromir Stetina for visiting recognition of Artsakh. Artsakh and observing the Constitutional He believes “it’s high time to eliminate Referendum. “A vivid evidence of this was the visit of the so-called “black list.” “No vicious Arman Tatoyan is confident that Azer- 104 foreign observers from 30 countries step by Azerbaijan will ever hamper the baijani’s steps will make the visits of during the Constitutional referendum in development of democracy in Artsakh,” journalists and politicians more frequent. Artsakh. All of them, including Frank En- the Human Rights Defender concluded.

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Russian Military presence still vital for Armenia, says Defense Chief Russian military presence in Armenia remains a “very important” element of the country`s national security strategy, Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan said in an interview published on February 22. Sargsyan also told the RIA Novosti that Armenia stands ready to further deepen its broader military cooperation with Russia. “Russia is our strategic ally,” he said. “This is how we view the ongoing cooperation with Russia in terms of training of military per- sonnel, in the military-technical sphere and in the military-political dialogue. We think that it`s an inseparable complex. We are open to and ready for a further intensification of this dialogue.” As part of that alliance, up to 5,000 Russian troops have been sta- tioned in Armenia ever since the Soviet breakup. Sargsyan called the The military alliance with Russia has also enabled Armenia to re- Russian military base headquartered in Gyumri “an important factor ceive Russian weapons at discounted prices or even for free. Sarg- of deterrence.” siyan emphasized the fact that Yerevan is using a $200 million loan “We consider its presence in Armenia to be a very important com- extended by Moscow in 2015 for buying various Russian weapons ponent of the security system of our country,” he added. at Russia`s “internal prices.” Some of that military hardware has already been delivered to Armenia ahead of schedule, he said without The Russian base also has hundreds of tanks, armored vehicles, elaborating. and artillery systems as well as around two dozen MiG-29 fighter “We will continue the dialogue with the Russian side on the pos- jets. Moscow has bolstered it with helicopter gunships and other mil- sibility of acquiring weapons in the Russian market,” Sargsyan told itary hardware since a 2010 Russian-Armenian agreement extended RIA Novosti. its basing rights in Armenia to 2044. The $200 million loan reportedly does not cover Russian state-of- Sargsyan did not deny reports that the Russian military has also the-art Iskander missiles that were supplied to the Armenian army deployed its newly developed Nebo-M radar systems to the Gyumri and first demonstrated by it at a military parade in Yerevan in Sep- base recently. tember. Sargsyan refused to disclose financial terms of that acquisi- Armenian leaders have long said that Armenia hosts Russian tion. troops on its territory primarily because of a perceived security threat The 41-year-old minister insisted that the missile systems belong to from Turkey, rather than Azerbaijan. From Yerevan`s perspective, Armenia and are operated by Armenian army officers. He described the Russian military presence precludes Turkey`s direct military in- them as a “weapon of deterrence,” in a clear reference to the Kara- tervention on Azerbaijan`s side in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. bakh dispute. Some of the Russian troops in Armenia and an Armenian army President Serzh Sarkisian likewise said in November that the unit make up a Russian-Armenian military force set up in 2000. Iskander missiles are an “antidote” against Azerbaijan`s possible at- Sargsyan and Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu signed an tempts to achieve a military solution to the dispute. agreement in November last year on reinforcing “the united group With a firing range of at least 300 kilometers, Iskander is known of troops.” It is still not clear whether the joint contingent will be for their precision and ability to overcome modern missile defense enlarged as a result. shields. No alternative to Minsk Group co-chairmanship format: Sergey Lavrov “There is no alternative to the Minsk occasions. settlement,” the Russian Foreign Minister Group co-chairmanship format for the “The latest statement adopted in Munich noted. settlement of the Karabakh conflict, if we underscores the unacceptability of the use Speaking about the future of the OSCE are really committed to seeking a mutual- of force and military rhetoric and stresses Office in Yerevan, Sergey Lavrov said ly acceptable solution,” Russian Foreign the necessity to implement the agreements “we cannot be indifferent towards the is- Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a joint reached at the summits in Vienna and St. sue, especially considering that the Office press conference with visiting Armenian Petersburg,” Lavrov said. is headed by a Russian citizen.” Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian. “We’ll continue to work in cooperation “The German and Austrian chairman- The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs do with out French and American counter- ships of the OSCE have worked hard to set- not stay idle. Lavrov said the Minsk Group parts to create an atmosphere conducive to tle the issue with Azerbaijani colleagues,” Co-Chairs have spoken about the need to a constructive dialogue that will allow to Lavrov said. He voiced hope that the latest accelerate the negotiation process on many consider concrete offers on the Karabakh offer will help solve the question.

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OSCE/ODIHR opens observation mission for parliamentary elections in Armenia reporters in Yerevan. authorities and of political parties, as well as Amb. Petersen said 250 short-term observ- with representatives of civil society, the me- ers will follow the voting on Election Day. dia and the international community. The mission’s deployment follows an invi- On Election Day, observers will monitor tation from the Armenian authorities. the opening of polling stations, voting, the The OSCE/ODIHR EOM will assess the counting of ballots and the tabulation of re- elections for compliance with OSCE com- sults. For Election Day, the mission will join mitments and other international obligations efforts with delegations from the OSCE Par- and standards for democratic elections, as liamentary Assembly and the Parliamentary well as with national legislation. Observ- Assembly of the Council of Europe. ers will closely monitor voter registration, A statement of preliminary findings and A 14-member group of the OSCE Office candidate registration, campaign activities, conclusions will be issued on the day after for Democratic Institutions and Human the work of the election administration and the election. A final report on the observation Rights (ODIHR) has already arrived in Ar- relevant governmental bodies, election-re- of the entire election process, including rec- menia to carry out an observation mission lated legislation and its implementation, the ommendations, will be published approxi- at the parliamentary elections scheduled for media environment and the resolution of mately two months after the completion of April 2. election-related disputes. As part of the ob- the election process. Another 28 long-term observers are ex- servation, the mission will also monitor the “It’s up to the Armenian authorities, gov- pected to arrive in Armenia next week, Am- media coverage of the campaign. ernment and political parties to decide bassador Jan Petersen, Head of the OSCE/ In the course of its observation, the mission whether or not to take note of the proposals ODIHR election observation mission, told will meet with representatives of relevant included in the report,” Jan Petersen said.

Artsakh Arrest Warrant for Visiting Artsakh Referendum ‘Part of Baku’s Campaign’ 2017: says EU Observer European Parliamentarian Jaromír the Artsakh parliament. 76.52% say yes Štětina of Czech Republic spoke on The parliamentarian knew of the possi- to Constitutional February 25 about the arrest warrants bility of Azerbaijani authorities ordering issued by the Azerbaijani court toward for his arrest. reform him - and his two fellow European par- “This is a part of Baku’s campaign,” he liamentarians - for visiting Artsakh to said, “which began about a month ago monitor the February 20 constitutional when Russian [Israeli] blogger [Alexan- referendum. der] Lapshin was arrested in [the Belar- Alongside Štětina, warrants were is- usian capital city of] Minsk; this is a part sued for Frank Engel of Luxembourg of the intimidation policy of Azerbaijan. and Eleni Theocharous of Cyprus, who When asked if he fears extradition to were among more than 100 monitors Baku - similar to that of Russian-Israeli from 30 countries to visit Artsakh for blogger Alexander Lapshin - Štětina re- Monday’s vote. plied “I will not go to Minsk.” The fact is that Azerbaijani laws do Štětina said that as a member of the not function in this territory, Štětina said European Parliament’s Committee on The NKR Central Electoral Commission during an interview with Czech news Foreign Affairs, as Vice-Chair of the has provided final data on the results of vot- agency Aktualne. Subcommittee on Security and Defense, ing at the Constitutional Referendum held “As a journalist, I visited Karabakh “the essence of my work is to visit re- on February 20. in the [19]90s; during the years of that gions of conflicts, to form my own sense Thus, 79 428 citizens or 76.52% of the el- terrible war. The position of Azerbaijan, about them.” which considers Karabakh to be its own, Referring to Azerbaijan’s arrest war- igible voters participated in the referendum. is based on the policy of Stalin, who rants, European Parliamentarian Soraya According to the CEC, 69 540 citizens or had annexed this Armenian territory to Post during an interview with Armen- 87, 55 % voted in favor of constitutional re- Azerbaijan, with the rule of ‘divide and press said “This is not how mature coun- form; 7 686 citizens or 9.7 % of the voters conquer.’” tries conduct their business,” adding that cast their vote against the new Constitution. Štětina noted that he and his two col- the parliament will have a thorough dis- The number of invalid ballots was 2 202 leagues visited the Nagorno-Karabakh cussion on how to proceed. (2.8 %). (Artsakh) Republic at the invitation of “This will not stand,” she concluded.

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Armenia, Georgia “agree” on new trade routes to Russia Georgia has agreed to open new transport corridors that will be checkpoints to be set up on the administrative boundaries of the used by Armenia for commercial cargo shipments to and from two territories that have been recognized by Russia as indepen- Russia, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan said during an official dent states. visit to Tbilisi on February 24. “Kommersant” said the compromise arrangement would allow The bulk of trade between Russia and Armenia is currently Moscow to avoid formally recognizing Georgian sovereignty carried out through the sole Russian-Georgian border crossing over South Ossetia and Abkhazia. “As soon as we solve all re- at Upper Lars. Traffic along that mountainous road is frequently maining issues, we will start the implementation [of the agree- blocked by blizzards in winter months. ment,]” it quoted Karasin as saying. “We only need to take the Hundreds of Armenian trucks were left stranded there for over final, most difficult step.” two weeks due to heavy snowfalls in December. The Upper Lars The issue was reportedly high on the agenda of Karapetyan`s road was also closed for more than a month this summer follow- talks with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili held on ing a massive mudslide. Thursday. Speaking to reporters the following day, the Armenian In addition, Armenian truck drivers frequently complain about premier said: “If you are interested in whether there will be an long lines and slow service on the Russian side of the border. alternative to the Lars road, then I can assure you that yes, there Shortly after visiting Moscow late last month, Karapetyan in- will be.” structed the Armenian Ministry of Transport and Communica- “We will talk about other things later on, I won`t go into details tions to submit by March 1 proposals on alternative Russian-Ar- for now,” he added, according to the Sputnik news agency. “We menian trade routes passing through Georgia. reached agreements on both the Lars issue and the energy corri- Senior Russian and Georgian diplomats reported significant dor.” progress towards the launch of such transport links after a fresh Neither Prime Minister made explicit mention of the matter at round of talks held in Prague on February 7. They said Russia and a news briefing that followed their talks in Tbilisi. Kvirikashvili Georgia are close to reviving a 2011 agreement meant to enable said Karapetyan presented him with “very interesting proposals” them to maintain commercial ties in the absence of diplomatic on expanding Georgian-Armenian economic ties. relations. Despite the disruptions at Upper Lars, Russian-Armenian trade The Russian negotiator, Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Kara- rose by 15 percent to almost $1.4 billion last year, solidifying Rus- sin, told the Moscow daily “Kommersant” that Georgia is now sia`s status as Armenia`s number one trading partner. According ready to reopen two highways that connect it to Russia via the to official Armenian statistics, that growth was driven by a 51 per- breakaway Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He cent surge in Armenian exports to Russia. said the two sides will hire a Swiss company to operate customs By Emil Danielyan Armenian government interested in cooperation with European business community Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan at- tended on February 21 the annual meeting of the European Business Associa- tion. Attending the event were the Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Am- bassador Piotr Switalski, Ambassadors of EU member states and companies repre- sented in the Association. Greeting the participants of the meeting, PM Karen Karapetyan noted that “the Ar- menian Government is interested in the expansion of relations with the European business. “We want all of you to feel safe in Ar- menia, make investments, create jobs, pay taxes and get wealthier. We are ready to discuss all issues of concern to you, lis- ten to your proposals and initiatives,” the Minister for his open policy and for be- help attract investments. Prime Minister said. ing open to business. The Ambassador According to him, the European Union The Head of the EU delegation to Ar- stressed that the Armenian Government and the business community are willing menia Piotr Switalski thanked the Prime has adopted different decisions that will to maintain cooperation with Armenia.

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Armenia’s cooperation with NATO ‘not against strategic alliance with Russia’ Support mission to train, advice and assist Afghan security forces launched on January 1, 2015 as a follow-up on the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat mission, which completed at the end of 2014. Armenia also participated in ISAF mission sending up to 131 soldiers to Afghanistan. Armenia will continue arms procurement dialogue with Russia, Sargsyan told Sputnik. “Contracts have been implemented in ad- vance on a range of [orders], which is also pleasing. We will continue dialogue with Russia about the possibility of acquiring weapons on the Russian market,” Sargsyan Armenia’s defense minister told Sputnik “Our relations with NATO were always said. that Yerevan’s cooperation with NATO does build completely openly for our allied coun- He expressed “deep respect and a desire to not threaten its relations with Russia. tries and partners. We have never made a se- increasingly develop this cooperation,” laud- Armenia’s cooperation with the North At- cret of this, and this cooperation could never ing Collective Security Treaty Organization lantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is not and never will be directed against the inter- (CSTO) membership allowing Yerevan to directed against its strategic alliance with ests of our strategic alliance with Russia,” buy weapons at the same price as the Rus- Russia, Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan said. sian Armed Forces. Sargsyan told Sputnik. Armenia takes part in the NATO Resolute Armenia’s PM to visit Tehran in near future Armenia’s Ambassador to Iran Artashes breakthrough accomplishments in the tech- and Armenian Presidents to have the Ar- Toumanian and the Head of Trade, Indus- nology and the Armenian counterpart will menian PM visit Tehran and continue the tries, and Mines Chamber of Tehran Khan- have great chances to establish ties with efforts for having constructive dialogues sari met on February 21 to exchange views Iranian companies of the field. aimed at expansion of bilateral ties. on the best results from upcoming visit During the same meeting, the Armenian “The visit will be in near future, and even of Armenian PM to Tehran, Mehr News diplomat referred to the visit of President the situation ripe, it can be made before Agency reports. Rouhani to Armenian capital city of Yere- New Year holidays in Iran which starts on “All the preparations are checked to van in two months ago and recounted that March 21,” said the Armenia envoy to Teh- host the trade delegation accompanying it was part of the agreements between Iran ran. Armenian Prime Minister who intends to visit Tehran by mid-March,” said Masoud Khansari, the Head of Trade, Industries, and Mines Chamber of Tehran on Tuesday during his meeting with Armenia’s Ambas- sador to Iran Artashes Toumanian and the Armenian trade activists residing in Teh- ran, according to the public relations of the Chamber. “As soon is the PM’s visit to Tehran is finalized, the Trade, Industries, and Mines Chamber of Tehran will arrange for the bilateral meetings between Iranian and Arme- nian businesspeople,” reassured the Iranian man of business and trade. Saying that the Chamber has had good in- teraction with giants of ICT in Tehran, the head of the Chamber recounted that the Ira- nian companies of the field have achieved

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Armenia Finance Minister seeks to move on from macro stability Armenia has had to contend with currency depreciation, tum- bling remittances and the impact of tensions between Russia and Europe. Finance Minister Vardan Aramyan tells Courtney Fingar of the fDi Magazine that now the country has achieved macro stability, it is planning micro-level reforms. Q: What is your overall assessment of the Armenian economy, and what are your forecasts? A: Over the past two years we have been faced with external shocks, which have not been unique to Armenia. One was continuing decline in commodity prices since 2012, which affected us as Armenia is an exporter of metals. This was compounded by the strengthening dollar, which put pressure on local currency exchange rates. In the middle of 2014, there was a second negative shock: the economic sanction war between Russia and Europe and the US, which impacted the whole region. It affected Armenian economy through three transmission economic growth for the year 2016 and later on see an accelera- channels. First, Russia is the major host country for our remitters tion of this important indicator… Our economic growth is mod- and due to the deterioration of Russia’s economic conditions, the est but we think that, due to our prudent policy, we can achieve inflow of remittances began to decline dramatically. Second, the 3.2% growth in 2017 and then plan much higher growth in com- Armenian dram bilateral exchange rate with Russian rouble ap- ing years. preciated, harming our exports to Russia. Third, direct investment Q: What are your most immediate continuing economic chal- inflows from Russia also began to step back. However, as a result lenges, given where you are in the recovery phase? the Armenian dram depreciated vis a vis the US dollar by 17%. A: The most important aspect is economic growth, but then you To cope with these externalities and to absorb these shocks, in have to think about what type of economic growth you want. 2014 we made a decision to keep fiscal policy flexible and pur- We target ‘supply-push’ economic growth because, if you look sue a fiscal countercyclical expansionary policy. With regards to the history of Armenia until the year 2008, we have had ‘de- to monetary policy, we tried to be more conservative in order to mand-pull’ economic growth, which was not sustainable. There anchor the speculative expectations of the agents in the foreign was a strong foreign exchange inflow, because of the positive exchange markets, as the behaviour of some countries’ local cur- terms of the trade shock and the increase in remittances, so the rencies vis a vis the US dollar in the region created fear of a con- non-tradable sector reacted positively, stealing factors of pro- tinued depreciation of the Armenian dram. duction from the tradable sector. Sustainable economic growth Now we do not see any discrepancies between the real equilib- comes from the tradable sector through productivity upgrades. rium exchange rate and real actual exchange rate; all our analy- And for productivity upgrades you need reforms. We as a gov- ses show that we are in equilibrium and there is no major issue ernment need to do something to have an influence on the private with our macro-economic environment. It means that we are now sector firms’ cost curve pushing them to remain productive and graduating this phase, and upcoming news for economic condi- competitive. tions is much more promising, although still there are uncertain- But as a rule of thumb, long-term macro stability must be in ties in the world. a high priority as a major precondition for economic growth. For two consecutive years we were obliged to keep our fiscal The experience of many countries shows that even if you have policy expansionary – and, of course, this has its costs, it’s a debt. a well-designed reform agenda, you are going to fail if there is With expansionary policy you need to increase your deficit in or- no macro stability in your country. You need to also signal to the der to compensate the negative effect on aggregate demand and private sector that the government is in good shape to undertake smooth the fluctuation of the foreign exchange rate. There is no necessary actions in case an additional wave of idiosyncratic free lunch in life; sometimes you need to make a sacrifice for shocks again intervenes into a local economy and that everything gaining something else. At the end of the day we gained a stable is under control. macro environment without major shocks in the local financial For permanent economic growth, macro stability alone is not markets. enough. You need to do something more, which is the micro-level Let’s compare with other countries. Even for 2016, I think al- policy. [And this involves] what we call, using my favourite piece most all countries in the Eurasian Economic Union are going to of terminology, ‘competitiveness’. What does it mean? There are end up with negative economic growth. But our economic growth three major pillars for competitiveness: economic competitive- is positive because we followed prudent macro policy. Now it’s ness (business environment), human capital competitiveness and time to reverse, as you cannot move forward by only increasing strength of institutions (institutional competitiveness). And these your debt; somehow you need to have an exit strategy – and this three major pillars that enhance competitiveness are in line with is precisely what we are going to do in 2017, i.e. embark upon each other and you need to target them all. a strong fiscal consolidation, while keeping monetary policy ex- In these three fields, you need to take bold actions, and what we pansionary as inflation conditions are very modest. have incorporated in our government programme are bold actions In the short term, I think we are going to end up with positive that will support competitiveness in each of these areas.

27 February #7 (1142) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights POLITICS 9

Karabakh conflict a struggle for self-defence and physical survival: Zohrab Mnatsakanyan Mr. President,

The renewed attempt of aggression by Azerbaijan against Nagorno Karabakh at the beginning of April 2016 and en- suing perpetration of atrocities and outright barbarity, of which this delegation has consistently informed the Council, has been a stark reminder about the ur- gency of supporting the peace process under the auspices of the internationally agreed format of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship. There is no alternative to a peaceful settlement of the conflict. The war is not an option. The international community should forcefully re- ject the use of force and any pursuit of a military solution to this conflict. The 1994/95 cease-fire agreements, signed by Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Armenians in Baku, Sumgait, Kirovabad Armenia constitute the foundation of the Permanent Representative of Armenia and other parts of Azerbaijan as a reaction cessation of hostilities. Armenia urges to the UN Security Council addressed to the legitimate aspirations of the people Azerbaijan to undertake immediate and the UN Security Council open debate on of Nagorno Karabakh to freely determine genuine steps towards the implemen- “Maintenance of International Peace and their future. It is a struggle for self-defence tation of the agreements reached at the Security: Conflicts in Europe.” and physical survival of the people of Na- summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg in gorno Karabakh as a result of an outright May and June 2016 respectively in order The Ambassador’s full speech is provid- aggression, war and ethnic cleansing un- to create conditions conducive to the ad- ed below: leashed against them by the newly inde- vancement of the peace process. Azerbai- pendent Azerbaijan at the beginning of the jan should bring to an end without delay Mr. President, 1990s. the persistent war mongering and culti- vation of hatred and intolerance against I thank the Secretary General and the oth- Mr President, Armenians and instead invest genuine er briefers for their contribution to this de- efforts in promoting a culture of peace, as bate. We share the concern reflected in the The Nagorno Karabakh conflict is about well as respect for human rights. Armenia concept paper for this debate that despite a struggle of the people of Nagorno Kara- urges Azerbaijan to demonstrate genuine high expectations for Europe to become a bakh against the claim of sovereignty political will and effort in advancing the strategically stable continent following the over them by a despotic regime in Azer- peace process on the basis of the princi- end of the Cold War, new challenges and baijan with a shocking human rights re- ples and elements put forward by France, threats emerged on the continent in the cord, which suppresses and suffocates Russia and the United States, the Co- 1990s. However, apart from the broader any dissent, any aspiration for freedoms Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and geopolitical processes or religious, ethnic and rights within its own jurisdiction. It reiterated in their numerous statements at and territorial disputes, the causes of these is a struggle against barbarity of a regime, all levels, including the heads of states of challenges stemmed also from the blatant which ruthlessly glorifies Ramil Safarov, the Co-Chairing states. and violent denial to peoples the right to a murderer, who in 2004 axes to death Finally, Armenia expresses its deep pursue their aspirations for freedom and an Armenian officer while asleep, during appreciation to the international com- self-determination. a military training course. It is a struggle munity, to this Council and to the Sec- The Nagorno Karabakh conflict is a point against a claim of jurisdiction by a regime, retary-General of the United Nations for in case. It is a conflict, which in effect has which persistently cultivates and inspires their continued and unwavering support been a struggle of the people of Nagorno Armenophobia, hatred and intolerance to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Karabakh for freedom and self-determina- against Armenians. It is a struggle for co-chairs, the only internationally agreed tion, a struggle against historical injustice freedom and survival. It is a struggle of format of negotiations for the peaceful of the 1920s and persistent discrimination the people of Nagorno Karabakh to freely settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh con- throughout 70 years of Azerbaijani rule determine their political status and freely flict, to reach a lasting settlement as soon over them. It is a struggle, which wit- pursue their economic, social and cultural as possible. nessed barbaric pogroms at the end of development. It is, in other words, a strug- 1980s and the beginning of 1990s against gle for the right to self-determination. Thank you.

The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 27 February #7 (1142) w 2017 10 POLITICS

City Spa, one of the founders of Aesthetic medicine in Armenia, that was established 14 years ago, is still following the main principles that were implemented since the launch: to use only clinically and scientifically approved, highly effective and safe with FDA approval products and equipments im- ported mainly from UK and Europe.

Depilation: Last year City Spa launched a very safe, painless and fast acting new machine for permanent hair removal. It is the “Primelase” produced by Cocoon Medical. The machine has an innovative method (dy- namic mode) which allows to treat very large areas of the body within few minutes. Localized fat removal: In Armenia the first cryolipolysis method was implement- scientifically approved anti aging treatments and products for care. The doctors are reg- ularly improving their qualifications in Lon- don and Paris, bringing the new inventions to Armenia. The products used in City Spa are only international leading brands such as ZO Skin health (Beverly Hills US), GLO therapeutics (ColoradoUS). Skin Ceuticals (US) etc.

And that’s not the all: pedicure, mani- cure and massage will make your day. You are welcome to City Spa. The aesthetic doctor’s consultations and skin diagnostics with Skin Scanner is fee. The atmosphere in City spa is full of love and peace. The pric-

ed by City Spa in 2016. Cooltech is an innovative machine that acts ing strategy is very flexible and dis- as a none surgical lyposaction, with counts for good long term clients are a new method of cryolipolysis for available during whole year as well permanent localized fat removal and as different Gift Cards. body reconturing. It is safe, painless and very effective. City Spa is The address: Baghramyan equipped also with the Wellashape 1st DL, 2-nd building, 2-nd floor. machine for anti-cellulite treatment. Phone: +374 60 536 536 Anti aging Facial treatments E-mail: [email protected] and Care: City Spa offers the latest Website: www.cityspa.am

27 February #7 (1142) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights POLITICS 11

EU Expects “Good Elections” In Armenia The European Union expects the Arme- “political support” for the conduct of demo- nian authorities to hold free and fair parlia- cratic elections. “So Armenia, in a way, is in mentary elections on April 2, having provid- a privileged position,” said the envoy. ed them with over $7 million in assistance Announcing this aid in a December state- for that purpose, a senior EU diplomat said ment, the EU Delegation cautioned that on February 24. these anti-fraud measures alone will not “We are really looking forward to good guarantee a clean vote. It said the authorities elections in Armenia,” said Piotr Switalski, in Yerevan should also have the “political the head of the EU Delegation in Yerevan. will” to ensure a “fair electoral process.” “The EU has done a lot to help the gov- Switalski expressed hope earlier in 2016 ernment; the Central Election Commission that the parliamentary elections will be “an and the civil society seek higher standards. important launching pad for the democratic And we have done that in an unprecedented tronic devices that will be used for verifying future of Armenia.” way,” he told reporters. voters` identity and thereby preventing mul- With Armenia due to switch to the par- Switalski pointed to 7 million euros ($7.4 tiple voting. Another 2 million euros will liamentary system of government in 2018, million) in EU funding that was allocated go to pay for web cameras to be installed in the polls will determine who will govern late last year in support of the Armenian the vast majority of Armenia’s 2,000 or so the country after President Serzh Sargsyan government’s landmark agreement with the polling stations. Voting and ballot counting serves out his final term. Sargsyan and his opposition aimed at preventing serious fraud there will be broadcast live online on Elec- Republican Party (HHK) say that they are in the 2017 elections. tion Day. committed to ensuring that the polls are free Most of that money, 4 million euros, is Switalski stressed that no other EU neigh- and fair. Their political opponents are skep- to be spent on the purchase of special elec- bor has ever received so much funding and tical about these pledges. Aurora announces Creative Contest Jury Aurora Humanitarian Initiative has an- is animation film director. She is a professor published in 2002. nounced the jury of Aurora Creative Contest at the Yerevan State Institute Theatre and Tigran Matulyan – Tigran Matulyan is con- launched on January, 2017. The jury com- Cinema leading the class of animation film temporary artist. He is a member of Artist prised of artists and art professionals in Arme- directing. Gayane Martirosyan is the found- Union of Armenia. His works were exhibited nia will select the best artworks presented by er of massive animation at HayFilm studio. in many solo and group exhibitions around children aged 7-14. She is the author of a number of animations the world. Matulyan’s artworks are part of Aurora Creative Contest Jury has 6 members including The secrets of Dragon Carpets se- the collection and permanent exhibition of chaired by animator Gayane Martirosyan. ries (2008-2013), Three bells (2002), The War the Armenian Museum of Contemporary “This contest is a good opportunity for in our Street (1989) among others. She is a Art, Arame Art Gallery, Armenian National people and especially for children to gather laureate of various national and international Gallery, Khrimian Museum of the Holy See around the idea of humanism. It is very im- awards. Echmiadzin, The Museum of the History of portant that Aurora invites everyone to take Marine Ales – Marine Ales is a compos- Yerevan. He holds the title of Honorable artist part in this contest regardless where they live. I er and theatre critic. She is the author of 300 of Armenia. believe that the artworks will brighter illustrate songs in Armenian and Russian. Her songs Arev Petrosyan – Arev Petrosyan is the what humanism is because children better were released in 5 albums: I’ll Leave You founder of Arev Art Gallery in Armenia. Arev perceive the world than we do,” said Gayane (1999), My Poplars (2001), Thoughts (2003), is the author of the stained glass picture The Martirosyan. With and Without You (2007), Barefoot in Power of Unity put on display in the Assem- The other members of Jury are Marine Ales, the Sky (2010). She was jury member of the bly Hall of Coucil of Europe. She was pre- composer, member of the Aurora Prize Cre- 2016 Golden Apricot International Film Festi- sented in many national and international art ative Council; Eleonora Malkhasyan, jour- val. Marine Ales is co-founder of Gift of Life exhibitions and galleries. She has designed nalist and theatric critic, manager of cultural Foundation. She is the laureate of numerous TV studios for various TV shows. The artist is projects at IDeA Foundation; Tigran Matuly- awards for life-time achievements. In 2010, also known for her charity and social activities an, artist; Arev Petrosyan, artist; and Hrant Marine Ales published the collection of her aimed at the solution problems and healthcare Vardanyan, film director. The detailed bios of poetry Shards. Marine Ales is the member of issues of socially vulnerable people, namely the jury members are presented below. the Aurora Prize Creative Council. the poor, orphans, the elderly, women and The results of the contest will be announced Eleonora Malkhasian – Eleonora Malkha- children with disabilities. in April 2017. The authors of the best three en- sian is a journalist and theatre critic. She is the Hrant Vardanyan – Hrant Vardanyan is tries will be awarded by Aurora Humanitarian manager of cultural projects of the Initiatives a film director. He made his first short “Si- Initiative and the best five will have a unique for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foun- lence” in 1995. Since then Hrant Vardanyan opportunity to attend the Aurora Prize Award dation. Eleonora Malkhasian has worked for has made a number of short and feature films. Ceremony on May 28, 2017, in Yerevan, Ar- many cultural journals including Muse jour- He directed music videos for well-known Ar- menia. The deadline to submit the entries is nal published in Los Angeles, CA. She taught menian musicians. In 2011 Hrant Vardanyan March 31, 2017. History of Art and Theatre in various art uni- founded Arev Film Studio in Armenia. He is Contest Jury versities and institutions in Armenia. Eleonora the laureate of national Hayak film award for Gayane Martirosyan – Gayane Martirosyan is the co-author of Museums of Armenia book his The dream of sheep film(2014).

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Vahe Andonians: “We are Happy that Our Small Contribution Helps People in Their Personal Fight against One of the Most Vicious Groups of Diseases ” Donation raised due to SCDM Founder’s participation in intl marathons helps purchase cutting-edge equipment for oncology dept pledges to double that amount and it will Minasyan, a well-known TV anchor of By all be donated to an Oncology hospital in medical programs at the various channels. Gourgen Armenia…” According to Dr Geokchyan, today their Khazhakian All at all, 5,000 Euros was raised, and Department meets international standards Chief it was decided to transfer this amount for in general, and, as she said, “due to some Correspondent needs of newly opened Oncology Depart- parametres it is unique for Armenia”. For ment at the Yerevan Erebouni Medical instance, at the Dept they have the so- As The Highlights has written already in Center (Hospital) headed by Haykuhi called oxygen rooms that is a rare thing for its 3 October’16 issue # 33-34, Vahe An- Geokchyan, M.D., PhD. chemotherapy in Armenia. donians, 40, Founder of the SCDM Finan- And recently Vahe Andonians, Ivana Another novelty in Armenia is the Pax- cial, the second largest company resided at Medo of SCDM, and Gus Harris, Ex- man cool sculp that is instrumental in the Viasphere Technopark in Yerevan that ecutive Director, Moody’s Analytics that preventing hair loss that, in turn, is a seri- provides risk management services for works together with SCDM on various ous psychological problem, first of all for banks, insurance companies and other fi- business projects, visited Erebouni MC. women, especially in Armenia. nancial institutions worldwide, participat- (The Highlights correspondent accompa- At the Oncology Department, they can ed last year in several international sports nied them). treat at once up to 130 patients. competitions such as Half Ironman Zell As Dr H.Geokchyan (who is also a Chief Naturally, the Head of the Dept informed Am See (28.08.2016), a triathlon (swim, Oncologist of Yerevan) told the guests and the donator how the donated money was bike, run) being held in Austria, Berlin your author, during her career, she always spent: Marathon (25.09.2016) and Athens Mar- was in fact dreaming to have cutting-edge “Your donation has become a seed mon-

athon (13.11.2016) equipment/tecnologies for treatement that ey for purchase of special chairs for che- As a post from Mr Andonians’ FB page fatal disease, and she decided to appeal motherapy; they are very comfortable, - said, “…The reason for going out is to with such a proposal to the Erebouni Med- thanks to remote control unit a patient can raise money for a good cause...” ical Center. And its leadership - fmr Arme- control chair’s position ”, - Dr Geokchyan He announced also that for every com- nia’s and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s said. petition his FB friends can donate money Health Minister Prof. Haroutyun Qushk- Dr Geokchyan called this donation “ex- and after the last marathon the raised mon- yan who, in her words, is “a very creative tremely helpful and timely” for their De- ey will be donated for treatment of people man”, gave ok for her idea and soon (some partment further development, and this is suffering from oncology in Armenia. 8-9 months ago) Oncology Dept at the a bright example of “the Armenian Dias- As Vahe Andonians wrote, “…I have Erebouni MC was opened. pora’s sparing no effort for the Homeland over 700 friends on Facebook, if each of As Dr Sargis Abovyan of the Dept in- Armenia’s prosperity”. you donates at least 3 Euro that will make formed yours truly, contact between them She thanked wholeheartedly Vahe Ando- more than 2100 Euro. #SCDMFinancial and SCDM was provided by Dr Vahe Ter- nians and asked to pass “deep gratitude”

27 February #7 (1142) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights SOCIETY 13 to all who participated in the fundraising. - As far as I remember, you were going Then the guests toured in the Oncology to participate in other marathons as well, Department. for instance, the Skechers Performance By the end of the visit your correspon- Los Angeles Marathon to beld on 18-19 dent talked to Vahe Andonians: March 2017. The same fundraising will - Please tell The Highlights readers be organized as well? about your impressions on what you have - We are looking into ways to continue seen in the hospital. to support the hospital as part of our cor- - A couple of years ago, I was at that hos- porate social responsibility efforts. I am pital for personal reasons and I have to say not sure if I can run the LA marathon this I am impressed by the progress the hospi- year, but we will come up with something tal has made. Without being able to judge different for sure. the quality of service the hospital provides, -What else would you add? it starts to feel like a Western European - We are happy that our small contribu- hospital. I do think there is still a long way tion helps people in their personal fight to go to reach the high levels common in against one of the most vicious groups of Germany, but the progress is very visible. diseases.

ANCC: Axe murderer still considered a hero in Azerbaijan Asbarez – The Armenian National Committee of Canada compensations. (ANCC) calls upon the international community to pressure Commenting on the issue, ANCC president, Shahen Miraki- Azerbaijan to respect its international promise and imprison an said “With a track record of complete disregard for interna- Ramil Safarov, the Azeri lieutenant responsible for the horrific tional law, and continuous abuse of human rights, Azerbaijan murder of Armenian lieutenant Gurgen Margaryan. cannot be trusted as a credible partner to the Artsakh (Na- The ANCC condemns the pardoning and rewarding of this gorno-Karabakh) peace process brought forth by the OSCE convicted killer by the government of Azerbaijan. Minsk Group. On February 18, 2004, while both men were participating in “By not calling on Azerbaijan to imprison Safarov, the in- a NATO-sponsored course in Hungary, Azerbaijani lieutenant ternational community sends a message that it will not up- Ramil Safarov axed to death Armenian lieutenant Gurgen hold Azerbaijan’s obligations in respect to the Artsakh (Na- Margaryan, when the latter was sleeping. Safarov subsequent- gorno-Karabakh) peace process.” said Mirakian. ly admitted to the murder, and was convicted by a Hungar- Since the internationally brokered ceasefire of the Artsakh ian court and sentenced to life in prison for his heinous act. (Nagorno-Karabakh) conflict, Azerbaijani forces have repeat- Hungary had consistently refused extradition until August edly attacked the Republic of Artsakh’s border on multiple 2012, when it allowed Safarov to return to Azerbaijan, under occasions, targeting ordinary civilians, women and children. assurances and promises by Azerbaijani officials that he would These ongoing violations of the ceasefire in the Artsakh serve out his full prison term. However, upon his arrival in conflict represent an escalation of the ongoing disregard by Azerbaijan, Safarov was welcomed as a hero, received a full Azerbaijan for the efforts of the Organization for Security and presidential pardon by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, co-chaired was promoted to a Major rank in addition to receiving various by the United States, Russia and France, to solve the conflict peacefully. “Azerbaijan’s latest actions are another clear example of how the Aliyev regime continues to incite ethnic hatred and violence, and threaten peace in the region; all in an effort to deflect focus away from its own corrupt practices” said Mira- kian. The extradition and pardoning of Safarov in 2012 raised con- cerns in the OSCE Minsk Group’s co-chairmanship countries of Russia, France and the United States (where both the White House and Congressional leaders strongly expressed their con- cerns regarding Azerbaijan’s actions) and the Canadian parliament. Despite international calls on Azerbaijan to abide by its promise to the Hungarian authorities and imprison Safarov, the axe murderer continues to live freely in Baku today.

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9 INCREDIBLE COUNTRIES WHERE YOU CAN LIVE FOR UNDER $1,000 A MONTH BY BRUCE NORTHAM cheap. Sandwiched between Iran, Turkey, Andean natives never seem to be in a rush, and Georgia, many of the tiny Christian probably because they maintain spiritual Travel widely enough, and you’ll notice country’s 4,000 epic religious structures are links to their 3,000-year-old ancestors. In something about the Americans you en- on prime real estate -- analogous to where the past 185 years they’ve had nearly 200 counter abroad. While the people I know America created its ultimate national parks heads of state, so it’s easy to assume that the in the States are too often shackled to dull and resorts. Nearly every monastery offers current presidente on the Bolivian stamp jobs or unrewarding relationships, the en- the option to interact with the chatty, em- doesn’t have much time left. But in the cos- trenched expats I’ve met while visiting more cee-style resident priests who exemplify mic sense, who does? than 100 countries never show evidence of the coolness of all Armenians. Like most Affordable adventure: Once you stomach boredom, worry, or regret. Nearly all seem orthodox holy men, they marry and have the $160 cost of a visa, everything, I mean to embody what a quintessential Outback families, which seems to give them an en- everything, is ultra-cheap in one of South man -- twice my age and hitching in the op- hanced sense of humor -- not short on jokes America’s least-visited countries. If you posite direction on an Australian backroad or offering samples of homebrew wines in need a break from La Paz’s buzz or eleva- -- yelled across the pavement: “Don’t spend clay jugs. tion, you’re just a 30-mile drive (passing time; enjoy it.” Affordable adventure: Armenia’s stair- an eruption of majestic mountains) from If you’re thinking of starting up some- way to heaven -- an ascending Grand Can- sea-like Lake Titicaca where drowsy llama where else for the YOLO of it, don’t let yon-esque road -- leads to the mind-melting herds graze while cows sip from the trout- cost stand in your way. The US govern- Noravank monastery. Imagine multihued filled lake. ment pegs the poverty line at about $12,000 Moab speckled with ancient hilltop World If you need a hedonistic binge: Moun- a year for a childless person. That won’t Heritage Sites. tain biking 45 miles down the treacherous take you far in Oakland (or even Omaha), If you need a hedonistic binge: Armenia’s road that connects Coroico to La Paz is a but it’ll buy you a full year of wonders in 300 days of sunshine each year paired with kaleidoscopic evolution of microclimates, one of these nine countries. In any of these, hundreds of denuded mountains above the and throws a bit of mud in your face. The $1,000 a month covers housing and food, tree line make it one of the world’s best aptly named “death road” was cut into the as well as access to adventures that chumps places to paraglide, either as a beginner or a side of a mountain chain in the 1930s by with much fatter salaries can only imagine. one-timer flying tandem with a pro. Paraguayan prisoners. It connects the Ama- The price of a beer, I’ve found, works as a zonian rainforest to La Paz. You’ll note that pretty reliable stand-in for almost any cost- Bolivia many vehicles have tumbled off the narrow of-living survey you care to enlist; those are dirt road and met their fates far below. The included here. Local draft: 75 cents to wash down a few 11,000-plus-foot drop means riders segue This list could dig deeper into hardcore of their 1,200 varieties of chilies from thin, chilly air to baking humidity. country steals. Unless voluntourism is your What you’ll save on: A bed in a bare- Many outfitters compete for your business. goal, risky places like Nigeria and Pakistan bones hostel will run $5 per night, and tak- Oh yeah, La Paz has decent hospitals. aren’t wise choices. And a note on budget- ing a leashed alpaca for a stroll is free. ing: If you’re working abroad, you’ll blow Why here? Landlocked in a corner behind Fiji less money, simply because you’ll stum- Pacific coast-hugging Peru and Chile, Bo- ble into fewer budget-wrecking hedonistic livia remains an even greater bargain than Local draft: $1.25, x2 since you’re also binges while on the clock. If you’re earning backpacker sanctuaries like Cambodia. La buying one for your new buddy even a few American dollars a month, you Paz (elevation 12,000ft), the world’s highest What you’ll save on: A bowl of kava is by can stretch a trip to any of these spots indef- capital city, is where frugal long-term travel- donation, your call. initely. (If you need a handbook for these ers crisscrossing South America hang their Why here? Unlike the many Polynesian sorts of life-changing jaunts, A Better Life hats and regroup. Giveaway alcohol prices islands in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, for Half the Price by Tim Leffel is the bible and all-night dance joints are a welcome dark-skin-Melanesian Fiji’s vibe resem- for bargain-hunting wannabe expats.) Life reprieve from the city’s hectic street scene. bles that of the chilled-out Caribbean. The is short, as they say. So go long. Here, the mostly Roman Catholic country 10-hour nonstop flight from Los Angeles breaks from tradition with their version of springs you into a remote patch of the Trop- Armenia America’s WWE, Cholita wrestling, where icana ring around the Earth that welcomes empowered Bolivian ladies battle it out for backpack nomads, divers, and package-tour Local draft: $1.50, served by someone your entertainment. Bolivia has the larg- types. Fiji’s largest and most populous with a PhD est Native American population in South island, Viti Levu, yields lush resorts and What you’ll save on: A world-class opera America and they invented the frugal exis- ferries and flights to dozens of other beach- runs $6. tence. Although less than 10% of Bolivia’s rimmed islands that cater to chic travelers as Why here? University grads probably land is flat/fertile enough for growing crops well as the $20-a-night, thatched hut-dwell- speak English better than you do and chess is farming is their primary occupation. Yet ing beerchug contestants. Dandy. the national pastime. Their top export seems few Bolivians can afford the biggest crops If you really plan on living here for a while to be smarts. Fashion and wine run deep; -- in their case quinoa and coffee -- because you’ll have to truly go local -- earthen floors the always-organic produce is ridiculously they’re worth far more as an export. and all -- to live cheaply. Of Fiji’s 325 is-

27 February #7 (1142) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights SOCIETY 15 lands only about 100 are “inhabited,” and a carnal dance demonstration: couples swiv- tables better than anyone you know. Once visitors rarely get to know more than a few eling for hours, rarely making eye contact landing here, you’ll soon start walking and after landing on Viti Levu. Everyone sees with one another. No doubt you’ll also en- talking much slower. The expat scene is this large island’s intimidating peaks but counter some of the 5,000-plus international equal parts industrious and whacko; look for heads offshore to predictable resorts. In- students enrolled in the medical school, per- Americans and Aussies in bars and restau- stead, ascend into Viti Levu’s craggy moun- haps on the dance floor. rants in Vientiane, the capital city and party tain interior and take a hike on the wild side Affordable adventure: Hike jungles, laze spot. where an invitation from chiefs is required on beaches, and just mingle. Dig on the na- Affordable adventure: In Laos, currency to enter most villages. Then, gather ‘round tional dish called oil down, getting its name exchange rate fluctuations usually remain the kava bowl and drink the elixir used for from the coconut milk oil residue that infus- on your side. Accessible only by boat, centuries to mend conflicts between warring es the one-pot stew of breadfruit, callaloo, Muang Ngoi Neua is an idyllic village on tribes; a peaceful happy hour. Kava means okra, cabbage, fish, dumplings, turmeric, an elevated riverside plain cradled by moun- to Fiji what football means to Green Bay, and whatever else is on hand. A lively traf- tains. A refreshing departure from Southeast Wisconsin -- a marvelous trance. The buzz fic circle near Grand Anse Beach borders a Asia’s earsplitting transport madness, the recalls a sort of earthy codeine canapé or a makeshift outdoor marketplace sarcastically little town remains blissfully devoid of mo- Native American mushroom blessing. named “Wall Street” because the strip-mall torized vehicles. Here, the vertical limestone Affordable adventure: Get round-wound- parking area is bookended by banks. Along cliff formations create a cathedral panora- sound by enjoying the stirring gospel sing- with being a mini-bus hub, the circle attracts ma, and a dramatic setting along the River ing in one of the many rustic Christian locals who gather to buy open-air-grilled Ou where unforgettable hiking and rafting churches built in nearly every settlement. meat and drink beverages sold from ice excursions await. You’ll also mingle with Waltz (like you own the place) into one chests in pickup beds. At night, cars blare sexy backpackers from at least 10 different of Fiji’s many plush resorts, play a drink- music, creating instant parties. countries. ing game or enjoy the amenities. Freed If you need a hedonistic binge: You’ll soon If you need a hedonistic binge: Get a deep indentured servants brought here tissue massage or three every day. from India by 19th-century Brit- At $6-$10 an hour, you can afford ish colonialists add plenty to these that here. In this part of the world, already-multicultural islands -- in- they call foreigners falang and they cluding killer Indian cuisine. tend to pay double the local price If you need a hedonistic binge: for everything. Every Lao town has Fiji’s two “cities,” Nadi and Suva, a go-to guy or gal who, for a fair have the usual tourist rundown of wage, can cut the hassles and make places to blow your money, but travelers’ whimsical dreams come tighten your belt and you can sur- true. On a professional level, they vive on a budget that would make would be called fixers. Hire you an you cry back in the States. all-purpose wingman and roll big wherever you go. Grenada Montenegro Local draft: $1, while standing barefoot in sand Local draft: $1.75, served by What you’ll save on: Exotic spices. Fresh hear distant calypso music filling the barbe- someone who has no idea they could make and way cheaper than Trader Joe’s (the nut- cued night air. That’s your cue to follow the a living as a model in the US meg on Grenada’s flag is telling). sound of steel drums and behold this West What you’ll save on: A two-hour bus ride Why here? You’ll find plenty of splen- Indies invention -- listening music -- that crossing remarkable mountain range sepa- did beaches and nice places to crash on doubles as delivery for satire and political rating Adriatic coast with inland capital runs this West Indies paradise. GMT (Grenada commentary. You can hire a cabbie who’ll just $7. Maybe Time) slips away from you as the take you wherever you want to go for the Why here? Free of the Communist hang- locals’ songlike accent often needs translat- night, all night, for about $20. over that hung in the former Yugoslavian ing. Keep in mind that this is the Caribbean states post-1991, Montenegro is rocking and to navigate affordably you’ll have to go Laos it. The capital, Podgorica, has its share of more native than you might prefer. Keep- uniform, sober buildings echoing the dis- ing the peace is Grenadians’ attachment to Local draft: $1.25, with Guns N’ Roses mal Soviet concrete era, but the mannerly British Colonial law -- one must bow to a soundtrack hard-working locals make it shine. But picture of the queen when entering a court. What you’ll save on: A handmade bam- this place is not all about work. They also And if you swear, it’s not hard to land there. boo river raft, just $15 know how to party. Routine vodka-swilling Locals call this a “church state” because Why here? Americans abroad are some- haunts aside, chic nightlife options abound. cursing within earshot of a cop can warrant times met by a level of wariness, but expect Affordable adventure: The mountainous, an arrest. At least you don’t need any lan- Laotians to welcome you warmly, despite euro-using country has miles of gorgeous guage but English to get around just fine. America bombing the country profligately Adriatic Sea coastline, but the real fun Local joints play upbeat soca music, which during the Vietnam War. Take a rat-race sab- happens in Podgorica’s sprawling open-air gets Grenadians up and bouncing. They call batical to this Buddhist country, and you’ll it whining, pronounced “why-ning,” and it’s chill out, and probably learn to cook vege- continued on page 16

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9 INCREDIBLE COUNTRIES WHERE YOU CAN LIVE FOR UNDER $1,000 A MONTH mile bus ride/odyssey from Kathmandu to cool,” meaning “secret” in Mayan) is a to- from page 15 Pokhara, the country’s second city and an tally unexpected, understated presence in apt place for you to discover your inner hip- the developing country. The posh resort in restaurants overlooking the cooling Morača pie. Although damage from the 2015 earth- Guacalito was recently opened by the Pellas River, where ethno folk bands with accor- quake lingers, there is more to do than peer family, who, among other things, produc- dions and harmonicas taking center stage from your bus window. Punctuate the hilly, es the country’s famed Flor de Caña rum. serve as the backdrop. Nothing comes easy winding, no-guard-rails journey with stops The new property hosts honeymooners, up- when a country emerges from a dictatorship to camp on sandy riverbank beaches, go scale surfers, and Nicaragua’s elite, none of into a democracy, but you can afford to live whitewater rafting, or chill in a hammock. whom are doing belly shots. in style here while they figure it all out. If you need a hedonistic binge: One of If you need a hedonistic binge: A high- three treks: the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Zimbabwe light of the Old World Adriatic Sea side Annapurna Circuit, or the Everest Base of this country of 750,000 residents is se- Camp Trek, your chance for an encounter Local draft: $2, accompanied by the scent verely romantic Perast, a soulful, mountain with Mount Everest. Upon returning, re- of wildlife base-hugging village on the Bay of Kotor. born, you’ll never be the same person. What you’ll save on: Bragging rights. This stunning snapshot of native waterside Who the hell else do you know who’s been culture can be taken in from several water- Nicaragua here? front establishments. Versus more touristy Why here? Africa’s adrenaline capital, the parts of Europe (Italy is across the way), Local draft: $1.65, in an open-air bar Victoria Falls region, is once again open for Perast is a bargain, full of locals who seem where you’re not embarrassed that your business. Rafting on Class V rapids, giving to enjoy Americans. On the edge of town, Spanish peaked in 11th grade a full-grown lion a massage, and beholding the Pirate Bar (not a play on words like it What you’ll save on: Surf lessons can be the epic Victoria Falls is only a taste. When might be in California) is the choice for im- had for less than $10/hour. the Zambezi river tumbles over the Victoria bibing and snacking while overlooking the Why here? Even the poorest country in Falls shelf into an infinite gorge, it creates a bay and mountains, which are all perfectly Central America -- you’ll be humbled by steamy spray that can be seen from space. illuminated by serious sunsets. how far $500 a month goes here -- is a swell Getting healthy here is easy and cheap. place to assess your coordinates of wonder. The locals are gracious and dapper, quick Nepal When the sun rises here at least four things to share a smile. One theory as to why: happen. Hardcore bird lovers and surfers Statistically poor locals raised in non-elec- Local draft: $1.15, likely in a joint where set out on mountain rainforest rambles or trified villages have eaten only organic the walls can talk big Pacific Ocean wave hunts, and Mana- foods throughout their lives. When visiting What you’ll save on: Gift-giving back gua’s gamblers and shady night owls call it places with bad raps, you have to keep your home. Nifty local handicrafts cost bupkis. a night. Sample all of it, and you’ll wonder guard up but not close yourself off. The Why here? Nestled between powerhouses why you didn’t get here sooner. In the late once-thriving economy is now struggling, China and India, this hypnotizing nation al- ‘90s this place was slowly limping out of a but the chance of someone hassling you in lows you to travel back in time, which also war. Now it rivals Costa Rica, the darling Zimbabwe is about as likely as a New Or- applies to its cost of living. Kathmandu, of Central American tourism, as the place leans cop busting you for drinking a beer on with a surplus of UNESCO World Heritage to be. the street. Sites, is one of those big towns (like Ush- The narrow country is flanked by the Ca- Affordable adventure: You can also heat uaia, Argentina, the gateway to Antarctica) ribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean while the up your adrenaline. Built in 1905, the Victo- where every traveler is amped to the max landmass separating them is a massive, fer- ria Falls Bridge crosses the 1,200-mile-long since they are either preparing for or return- tile mountain range. The Caribbean coast is Zambezi just below the Falls and connects ing from one of their life’s most epic experi- flavored by Creole-accented slave descen- Zimbabwe and Zambia by both road and ences in the Himalayas. dants while on the west coast of this triangu- rail. This bridge over Africa’s fourth-longest Even while living there long-term, you’ll lar country Spanish-descended Latino flair river is a platform for many adventures, in- never tire of that adventurous energy. Ne- remains in full swing. cluding an entertaining attempt at “suicide pal’s intensity lies in its out-of-this-world Affordable adventure: Off the Caribbean practice.” The world’s third-highest bungee mountain scenery, embedded spirituali- coast is idyllic Little Corn Island, which fea- jump (New Zealand and South Africa rank ty, and antique temples and villages. This tures economical lodgings and surprisingly first and second) enjoys a 365ft free fall. crossroads for meeting down-to-earth (or swank yoga-focused resorts on an island If you need a hedonistic binge: Victoria coming-back-to-earth) travelers is a peo- that doesn’t have cars -- and by law will Falls-area safaris cost maybe $1,000 a night, ple-watching dream come true. now never permit anything with an engine. still only half of what you’d pay for similar Affordable adventure: Just being there. If If you need a hedonistic binge: The west products (luxury or otherwise) in South Af- your job in Kathmandu, likely doing some- coast’s mountains create private Pacific rica. Even if you don’t go full-bore, five-star thing humanitarian, doesn’t work out, go Ocean beach coves, one providing an idyl- accommodations in this corner of Zimba- take a stroll and pinch yourself. If you need lic and secluded spot for Nicaragua’s first bwe carry only two-star price tags and are a change in village scenery, take the 125- five-star resort. Mukul (pronounced “moo- friendly to the expat and backpacker sets.

27 February #7 (1142) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights SOCIETY 17

Translation of Festal Works of St. Gregory of Narek to be presented in Fresno The Festal Works of St. Gregory of Na- splendor of God’s love and open to the rek, Annotated Translation of the Odes, hope of his salvific intervention, which is Litanies, and Encomia, a book presenta- capable of transforming all things.” -Pope tion by Dr. Abraham Terian will take place Francis, April 12, 2015 on February 27, 2017, at the Armenian Terian’s is the first translation in any lan- Museum of Fresno Exhibition Hall. guage of the surviving corpus of the festal Monday, is also the first day of Great Lent works of St. Gregory of Narek, a tenth-cen- in the Apostolic / Orthodox Churches, and tury Armenian mystic theologian and poet for the Armenian Evangelical Churches. par excellence (d. 1003). Composed as li- The Roman Catholic Church commemo- turgical works for the various Dominical rates on this date Saint Gregory of Narek, and related feasts, these poetic writings who is most known for his prayer book are literary masterpieces in both lyrical titled, Book of Lamentations. verse and narrative. Unlike Gregory’s bet- This book, which has been translated to ter-known penitential prayers, these show numerous languages, is an “edifice of faith a jubilant author in a celebratory mood. In for the ages, unique in Christian literature this volume Abraham Terian, an eminent for its rich imagery, its subtle theology, its scholar of medieval Armenian literature, Biblical erudition, and the sincere immedi- provides the nonspecialist reader with an acy of its communication with God.” illuminating translation of St. Gregory of When proclaiming Saint Gregory of Narek’s festal works. Introducing each Narek a Doctor of the Universal Church, composition with an explanatory note, Te- Pope Francis had this to say: anyone. He gave voice to the cry, which rian places the works under consideration “Saint Gregory of Narek, a monk of became a prayer of a sinful and sorrowful in their author’s thought-world and in their the tenth century, knew how to express humanity, oppressed by the anguish of tenth-century landscape. Liturgical Press, the sentiments of your people more than its powerlessness, but illuminated by the Collegeville, MN, 2016. Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series premieres Emmy-winning ‘Women of 1915’ Maronian. This lecture is underwritten by the and the first director of its research institute. SSU Armenian Genocide Memorial Fund. His work in film has won Emmy Awards Admission is free, parking is $5-$8 on cam- and Academy Awards. Dr. Berenbaum’s lec- pus. ture is the annual Robert L. Harris Memorial The lecture series continues through May Lecture and is underwritten by the Alliance 9, with highlights including talks by Rabbi for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide, Michael Berenbaum, professor of Jewish an SSU Academic Foundation Organization. studies at the American Jewish University in On April 4, professor James Waller, Ph.D., Los Angeles, and Dr. James Waller, the Co- the Cohen Endowed Chair of Holocaust and hen Endowed Chair of Holocaust and Geno- Genocide Studies at Keene State College Massis Post cide Studies at Keene State College. and director of academic programs with the On March 28, Rabbi Michael Berenbaum Auschwitz Institute for Peace and Reconcil- The 34th annual Holocaust and Genocide speaks on the topic “Between History and iation, speaks on the topic “Becoming Evil.” Lecture Series at Sonoma State University Memory.” Berenbaum is the Director of the Waller’s books include “Becoming Evil: presents the Bay Area premiere of the 2016 Sigi Ziering Institute: Exploring the Ethical How Ordinary People Commit Genocide Regional Emmy Award-winning documen- and Religious Implications of the Holocaust, and Mass Killing,” and “Confront Evil: En- tary “Women of 1915,” which chronicles and a professor of Jewish Studies at the gaging out Responsibility to Prevent Geno- the plight of Armenian women during the American Jewish University in Los Ange- cide.” Genocide and the non-Armenian women les. He is the author of over 20 books, and This year marks the first time the archive of who came to their rescue, Tuesday, Feb. 28, executive editor of the second edition of the the Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series 4 p.m., in Warren Auditorium at Ives Hall, Encyclopaedia Judaica. Berenbaum was is available on YouTube. Videos of lectures Sonoma State University. The screening in- also project director for the creation of the are currently available from as far back at cludes a presentation by filmmaker Bared United States Holocaust Memorial Museum 1987.

The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 27 February #7 (1142) w 2017 18 SOCIETY

Zociac Weekly Forecast

Aries (March 20–April 19) Libra (Sep. 23–Oct. 22) There will be an explosion in the Venus, the ancient goddess of love sign of Aries. You may set a bon- and financial resources, will turn ret- fire, have an accident, or join activist rograde in your partnership house. movements. Motion and action are You and your partner have need of prominent. There is potential for increased space between you. It your explosion to bring reprisal having to do with career. Maybe this does not matter who initiates the idea for a breathing space. It comes has happened just recently. from a joint need. This does not mean anything about love, so don’t misinterpret and create trouble where there is not. Taurus (April 20 -- May 20) On Mar. 4 your ruling planet will Scorpio be turning retrograde for a few (October 23–November 21) weeks. It is possible you are already You and Aries have things in com- leaning into withdrawal from one or mon this week. An emotional ex- more relationships while you evalu- plosion or accident may suddenly ate their impact on your life. This is alter the picture. There may be con- not necessarily a permanent change. sequences on your health, at your It is designed to help you decide if the relationship(s) are for you. workplace, or in rental property that you own. Drive and handle tools very carefully. Gemini (May 20–June 20) This is an excellent time to pursue Sagittarius any activity that requires your men- (November 22–December 20) tal concentration. Contracts and Organize files and details early written communications, along with in the week in preparation for an short distance travel, have go sig- event near Feb. 27 that will elicit a nals. The New Moon Eclipse plants passionate response. You’ll want to a new seed in the house that describes life direction. You may not see come from an informed and organized place in your head before that it quite yet, but soon. occurs.

Cancer (June 21–July 21) Capricorn Follow your instincts about where (December 21–January 19) you need to be, particularly if that in- There are developing problems in cludes a new social situation. Then and around your home that may sud- give attention to whomever or what- denly become visible. If not prop- ever new enters your life. It will erty, then the restlessness and poten- serve as a helpful teacher and guide tially surprising events may become you in the next direction. apparent in your family life. Usually there are clues ahead of time . about the nature of the disorder. Leo (July 22–August 21) You or someone else may want Aquarius you to feel guilty because you are (January 20–February 17) unable to make things better. Rec- If you focus your mind on a men- ognize that you are not the magician tally challenging project that can you would like to be and let go of have an identifiable outcome, things the guilt. Whatever happens now, will move smoothly through the ear- you are highly prone to think dark ly part of the week. The New Moon Eclipse occurs in your territory thoughts about yourself. This is passing. Let it go. of personal resources. That can be money, time, and/or energy. See the lead paragraph. Virgo (August 22–September 22) Pisces (February 18–March 19) Your ability to concentrate upon Please read the lead paragraph projects that require management carefully. This eclipse in your sign of details is strong. Organizing files, signifies that something new, but closets and cabinets will clear the very small, will be entering your clutter from your mind. The new consciousness soon. It will involve wrinkle in your life occurs through reshaping your sense of identity to your partnership(s). That may be business or personal. include another factor. Your sense of compassion will increase, slowly at first. If, instead, you are being used by a vampire, you will real- ize this soon.

27 February #7 (1142) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights 19

The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 27 February #7 (1142) w 2017 20 16 Yerevan Home Care is the first and the only one company launched in 2011 in Yerevan. The company is providing a 24/7 qualified care serApartment- For Rent vice toA older comfortable adults, disabled apartment people, in the people center suf- feringof from Yerevan chronic on diseasesthe second or those floor who of theneed postoperativehouse. care, as well as to people with dementia. CreatingThe apartment the company (110 we sq. conceder m.) has to asupport din- manying families room, that two live bedrooms, abroad and a havekitchen, their ael- derlybathroom family members and twostaying balconies. in Armenia. The We succeedhouse in supporting has a central these familiesheating to system, have not only permanenta solution of thecold raised and problem hot water, but to TVhave a deepsatellite, feeling airof satisfactionconditioners that and their all relatives other home health aides. Home health aides might are infacilities. good hands. also provide limited assistance with things TheThere organization’s is a nice greatestview to wealth Mount is Ararat. edu- such as taking blood pressure or offering cated, professional, skilled, experienced staff The house has a nice garden and a medication reminders. and people with high values and psycholog- Nursing care is more related for patients ical knowledge.garage. The place is quiet and secure. 3 minutes by walk from Marshal after surgery, traumas, different chronic dis- We treat each patient with a strong sense eases of responsibilityBaghramian andave. showand Metro an individual station. Rehabilitation service is for people who approach to the families, at the same time need professional rehabilitation in their re- maintainingThe price the isaccepted 1000 USD norms monthly, and using covery periods after some types of diseases contemporaryfor a long approaches. term, and surgery. Dementia /Alzheimer /special Taking your relative’s care on our shoul- 40-50 USD daily for a short term. care is for people with dementia in all stag- ders, we bring harmony between the differ- es when you worried about their safety or a ent generations. Address: health problem. Apart from the professional knowledge Yerevan Home Care provides all type of the company3 Aygedzorpays a great Str, attention Yerevan. to the medical equipment that will increase the humanitarian qualities of the serving staff, to quality of like of your loved ones. (rent of their kindness, patience,Tel: attention and cour- the equipment is acceptable) 095-27- 87-09 mob., Transportation is a key issue for older adults and for people with 093- 22-95-70 mob., temporary or permanent disabilities especially in Armenia where the 27-87-09 home. streets and buildings are not adjusted for disabled people. Yerevan Home Care is providing a transportation service for people that are in wheelchairs. Contacts: New Armenian-Italian/Italian-ArmenianPhone: +37410 546 546, +37491 403 dictionary 979, +37493 401 982 E-mail: [email protected], hripsime.deghdzunyan@ gmail.com released inFacebook Italy Page: www.facebook.com/YerevanHomeCare A new Armenian-Italian, Italian-ArmenianWebsite: www.yerevanhomecare.am dictionary has been published In Italy. The authors of the dictionary, RoosannaAddress: Harutyunyan Yerevan, Baghramyan and Barbara 1 impasse, Grassi, 2 Building, 2nd Floor told Noyan Tapan that the official representative of the dictionary is the famous Italian teous manner. We assure that we will be your ir- HOEPLI Publishing House, which has been officially recognized by the Italian government. replaceable assistant in helping and For the first time, HOEPLI Publishing House printed a dictionary for eastern Armenian, surrounding your relative with care while already there was an Italian-western Armenian one. and support. This new dictionary contains 22.000 words with phonetic transcription and examples of We provide service to all type of simple sentences. patients who needs care assistance. A lot of lemmas are divided in use areas including metaphorical meanings. Personal care is for elderly people The dictionary includes also an Armenian grammar in Italian and an Italian grammar who are alone and need support in daily living, such as dressing, bath- in Armenian plus a lot of repertoires ing, feeding, or meal preparation. for geographical names, everyday use, proverbs and so on. This type of care includes personal For purchase follow the link: care aides, home care aides, and http://www.hoepli.it/libro/dizionario-armeno/9788820367381.html

President of the NT Media Holding: E-mail: [email protected] The Noah’s Ark Tigran Harutyunyan URL: www.nt.am Editor-in-Chief of the Media Holding: Gayaneh Arakelyan Address in 28 Isahakian Str., Yerevan, 0009, RA. Tel.: (+374 60) 35-11-23 Director of the Weekly: Armenia: HIGHLIGHTS Marina Harutyunyan (+374 60) 35-11-22 The publisher: NT Holding LTD Chief Correspondent:Gourgen Khazhakian Address in Masion De L' Armenie, Paris 17e - 95 Circulation: 1500 print copies and Proofreader: Susanna Mkrtchian Bld. Gouvion, France. 15.600 copies by e-mail list in PDF format Layout: Diana Grigoryan France: Tel.: (+33) 01 43 59 66 72 Ð³Ù³ñÇ ÃáÕ.å³ï.` Ø. Ð³ñáõÃÛáõÝÛ³Ý Ì³í³ÉÁ` 2.25 Ù³ÙáõÉ, ïå³ù³Ý³ÏÁ` 1500 Address in 1146 E. Lexington Dr., #112, Glendale, Èñ³ïí³Ï³Ý ·áñÍáõÝ»áõÃÛáõÝ Çñ³Ï³Ý³óÝáÕ` Weekly Newspaper, Since May 4, 1993. CA, USA, 91206. Üî ÑáÉ¹ÇÝ· êäÀ ISSN 1829-0604 USA: Tel.: (+1 818) 646 10 72 ¶ñ³ÝóÙ³Ý íÏ³Û³Ï³ÝÇ Ñ³Ù³ñÁ` Registration certificate and the date: Æë³Ñ³ÏÛ³Ý 28, ºñ»õ³Ý, ÐÐ, 0009 03²898368, ïñí³Í 11.01.2013 Ã. 273.110.00512, 15.12.1995 Ð³ëó»`

2 August #29 (1117)  2016 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights

27 February #7 (1142) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights