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Home , Bako Sahakyan, Missak Manouchian, Serzh Sargsyan

Armenian Prime Minister: in- flation remains a serious challenge to Armenian econ- (2009) PAGE 4 omy Page 2 HIGHLIGHTS

Weekly Digest of the

August 24 -31 2010 THEMA

Armenian President “Quote of visits the week” School N 11 and junior “11.4% industry growth creative center was reported; while the sectors of metal- lurgy, building indus- try, instrument engi- neering and jewelry industry showed 20% increase. 6.1% upsurge was observed in the services sector”

Tigran Sargsyan Ra prime-minister

ithin the frameworks of the point, computer classes, etc. The territory Upcoming Events Wworking visit paid to Artsakh, of the school has been renovated, a green Armenian President zone has been designed, and external il- visited the newly constructed Step- lumination works have been carried out. September 1: Armenia Marks the anakert School N 11 and the junior In School N 11 Serzh Sargsyan answered to day of science creative center, accompanied with a question of a teacher, which concerned September 16-17: to host NKR President , other the Azerbaijani political path of specu- Fruitfull Armenia winemaking fo- high ranking officials of Artsakh and lating the regulation issue of the Nagorno rum Executive Director of “Hayastan” Karabakh conflict in the September 21: Armenia celebrates all-Armenian fund Ara Vardanyan. and in other international organizations the Indipendence day Armenian presidential press serv- Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan ice told Armenpress that Armenian also walked around in the junior crea- President Serzh Sargsyan, before the tive center, in different departments start of the new academic year, has of which 1000 children are occupied. got acquainted with the conditions Afterward the President visited Step- USEFUL LINKS of the mentioned establishments. anakert central park, which will be pre- • www.president.am In Stepanakert School N 11 the high sented to Stepanakert people and town’s • www.gov.am ranking officials have been presented guests with “singing fountains” and in a • www.parliament.am that the educational establishment more beautiful appearance. The ceremo- • www.mfa.am constructed for 560 pupils is ensured nial opening of the park is intended on • www.armenpress.am with all the necessary conditions – li- the eve of the NKR Independence Day. • www.panarmenian.net brary, gym hall, sport ground, medical August 30, 2010 www.armenpress.am • www..am ARMENIA HIGHLIGHTS

CHRONICA Headlines of Armenian Prime Minister: inflation remains a serious challenge to the week Armenian economy • AUGUST 25 : RA gov- was observed in the services sector,” ernment approves scientif- RA Prime Minister noted at the Na- ic technical council schedule tional Competitiveness Foundation AH of Armenia board of trustees’ sitting. • AUGUST 26: RA governments ap- “Decrease in unemployment level proves amendments to customs code was observed; salaries in private, AH as well as governmental sectors • AUGUST 27: not to par- are showing tendency of growth.” ticipate in NATO exercise in Armenia Submitting the list of tax, customs AH and social payments to the budget • AUGUST 27: Aram I will over January-July, the Prime Min- not participate in Holy Cross slump in agriculture sector af- ister stated them to be above fig- church mass in Akhtamar A fected GDP drop in Arme- ures planned, which allows for AH nia (to 4%). However, much bet- preservation of macroeconomic sta- • AUGUST 28: Azeri army jun- ter results are observed in other bility and cutting of budget deficit. ior lieutenant gives him- sectors of economy, Armenian Prime “Inflation remains a serious chal- self up to Karabakh forces Minister stated. lenge to Armenian economy,” AH “11.4% industry growth was re- Tigran Sargsyan concluded. • AUGUST 30: Armenia- agree- ported; while the sectors of metal- Discussion of directions to stim- ment threw Azerbaijan off balance lurgy, building industry, instrument ulate national competitiveness AH engineering and jewelry industry growth was also on sitting agenda. • AUGUST 30: Chief coaches sat- showed 20% increase. 6.1% upsurge August 29, 2010 www.panarmenian.net isfied with performance of Arme- nia’s judo and freestyle wrestling Armen Ashotyan: ‘The Realization of the System of Senior teams at Singapore Olympic Games Schools is the Foundation Stone of the Reforms on Public AH Education’ • AUGUST 30: $350 000 to be spent for Travel without Bor- ccording to the policy, the Gov- to ensure a higher level of education ders project implementation Aernment of Armenia adopted via providing additional investments AH 2008, senior schools must exist with and creating corresponding conditions. • AUGUST 30: Samvel Khacha- separate networks. RA Education and Minister Armen Ashotyan mentioned tryan: Gor Minasyan has won Science Minister Armen Ashotyan said that any personal fight against the state Armenia’s first silver medal at today’s press conference, held be- policy is inefficient. ‘The Ministry of of Olympic Games since 1996 fore the August consultation of princi- Education and Science operates with AH pals of public schools, that the creation the dictum-factum principle; the inap- and full operation of senior schools propriate improvidence will lead to no mustn’t partici- will give an opportunity to ensure a good,’ the Minister said. pate in Turkish show on higher level of education. 91 senior schools are currently operat- The senior school is the last level of ing in the Republic. Akhtamar Island public education; the state is obliged August 30, 2010 rofessor Ruben Safrastyan, director of full story www.armenpress.am POriental Studies Institute at Armenian National Academy of Sciences, believes that A number of motor vehicle Armenian schools to be Armenians mustn’t participate in Turkish sphere–related issues re- show on Akhtamar island, while Turks pur- solved at governmental sit- rated sue Genocide denial policy, with thousands ting ducation reforms were in the focus of landmarks of Armenian history lying in t August 26 sitting, Armenian Eof a meeting chaired by Armenian ruins. “During the liturgy, a movie will be Agovernment offered all interested Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, the filmed ‘showing Armenians’ gratitude to companies a chance to implement of- governmental press service reported. Turkish government for the opportunity to ficial checkup of motor vehicles. Tak- On the threshold of a new school year, serve annual masses at St. Cross church’. As ing into account the compulsory liabil- Education Minister Armen Ashotyan a descendant of Van inhabitants, I find it un- ity insurance for exploitation of motor briefed on the problems persisting in acceptable to participate in the event where a vehicles, RA government approved schools and ways to resolve them. cross, to be put on top of a dome, will be taken the form, contents, order of filling and Mechanisms of external and in- off the next day,” Safrastyan emphasized in a replacement of damaged bills and dec- ternal rating will be introduced conversation with a PanARMENIAN.Net re- larations. Also, Armenian Police was in schools in compliance with porter. The holy mass, to be served for the fist instructed to submit guidelines for RA Law on General Education. time in 95 years on the island of Akhtamar maintenance and exploitation of traf- August 24, 2010 was rescheduled for September 19, instead of fic lights and other technical means by www.panarmenian.net September 12, a date set for national referen- December 1, 2010. dum on constitutional amendments in Tur- August 26, 2010 www.panarmenian.nety key.August 30, 2010 www.panarmenian.net 2 AH ARMENIA HIGHLIGHTS RES PUBLICA CSTO suggests increasing terrorist organizations’ IFC develops activity in list from 32 to 40 Armenia t August 24 sitting, CSTO coordi- at the sitting. The plan aims at collective rmenia has been an IFC member and nated amendments to the list of ter- response of OSCE states to natural or an- A shareholder since 1995. IFC has been rorist and extremist organizations in CSTO thropogenic disasters, where the injured A active in the nation over the years, with cu- member states in accordance with Security party is unable to eliminate consequences mulative investments totaling $87 million Council Secretaries Committee draft reso- without outside help. in 18 projects across a range of industries. lution. Terrorist organizations’ list is to be Plenipotentiary representatives of CSTO For the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010, increased from 32 to 40. member states participated at the sitting, IFC’s commitments in Armenia climbed to a Draft resolutions of CSTO authorized bod- headed by Russia’s representative, ambas- record $35.3 million, in response to the glo- ies on formation of collective reaction sys- sador at large Igor Lyakin-Frolov, RIA bal financial crisis. IFC complements its in- tem in extraordinary situations, as well as Novosti reported. vestment activity in Armenia with an active its operation plan were also coordinated August 24 2010 www.panarmenian.net advisory program that focuses on banking development, sustainable energy and invest- Elite seeds of Russian wheat to be delivered to Armenia ment climate. in mid-September IFC investments in Armenia increased from $5 million in 2009 to $35 million as of June ment the program, a working group has 30, 2010. “It is a considerable growth, given been formed, which is in Shirak region to the fact that we had been providing consulta- study areas, which are appropriate for the tive assistance rather than financial until re- development of seed production. Accord- cent times,” Mr. Thunell said. During the ing to Alaverdyan, seeds will be provided visit, he met with Armenian President Serzh to those villagers, who offer at least 3ha Sargsyan and Prime Minister Tigran Sarg- of relevant land plot. “We have already syan. Mr. Thunell also visited Ameriabank received applications for 18,000ha, out of to meet with the bank management. He was which 5,000ha will be chosen,” he said. accompanied by a group of IFC officials. As part of the program implementation, it Mr. Thunell has advanced growth of IFC's is expected to gain harvest at 1/2 ratio dur- business and its mission to create oppor- ing the first year, while volumes of import tunities in emerging markets and improve rmenian Minister of Agriculture will be decreased during the next 2-3 years. people's lives. As part of his visit to Arme- Gerasim Alaverdyan said that the “The local production of elite wheat seeds A nia, Mr. Thunell visited Ameriabank to be Ministry has launched implementation is envisaged to be brought to 3000-3300t presented with an account of how IFC funds of the program on development of seed against 2000t,” the Minister said.As a re- are being spent under the bank’s lending production. Meanwhile, elite wheat seeds sult of the program implementation, it is projects, including how they are being uti- from Russia will be delivered to Armenia expected that the volume of wheat produc- lized by end-borrowers. The partners also in mid-September, Alaverdyan told jour- tion will make 300,000-350,000t per year discussed options for further cooperation. nalists in Yerevan. against 150,000-160,000t, what will allow The attendees highlighted that Ameriabank “Negotiations are held with Russia on increasing the level of wheat provision in has on-lent the IFC funds successfully and delivery of 950t, while local producers the country from 37% to 55%. in a time-efficient manner. The IFC facilities have another 500t,” he said.To imple- August 30, 2010, www.panarmenian.net provided to Ameriabank include a 10 million US dollar credit limit for international trade New system of pension re- RA Handball Federation finance and a $15 million renewable energy forms being regulated ready for Prime Minis- (small hydro power plant) loan. governmental team has been set ter’s Cup The trade finance facility enabled Amer- up by the Armenian Ministry iabank to promote clients’ foreign trade trans- A he second international handball of Labor and Social Affairs, which actions in Armenia. Ameriabank joined the tournament - Prime Minister’s will regulate the new system of pen- T IFC Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP) Cup - will kick off in Vanadzor on sion reforms. Head of the Financial as an issuing bank to secure clients’ import September 2, bringing together teams Market Development Department of and export operations. This program covers, from Armenia, Iran, and Be- among others, small and medium enterprises. the Armenian Finance Ministry told larus. Participation in GTFP makes the bank eligi- Armenpress that the new system will President of the Handball Federation ble to cooperate with over 300 other GTFP positively influence on development of of Armenia Sargis Grigoryan said member banks worldwide. Highlighting the the financial market. It will create an preparations are completed. importance of promoting the renewable ener- opportunity to get pension from sev- “The players are training and are ea- gy sector for overall economic development, eral sources – voluntary, compulsory, Ameriabank is actively engaged in its financ- ger to win,” chief coach Edik Ohanyan accumulated on own, etc. ing through various programs, the press serv- said, for his part August 27, 2010, www.armenpress.am ice of Ameriabank reported August 30, 2010 www.panarmenian.net August 28, 2010 Full story www.panarmenian.net

3 AH ARMENIA HIGHLIGHTS PRO PATRIA Armenia not afraid of The Army of Crime (2009) Garen Nazarian Brings Azerbaijan's S-300s Armenia To the World at hat does Armenia's military think the UN of Russia selling its S-300 air de- W he United Nations, a center of world fense system to Azerbaijan? Bring it on. diplomacy located in New York City, Armenia has hosted Russian S-300s for at T itself one of the most international cities in least a decade, and Russia has trained some the world, is a plum posting for any dip- Armenian officers in the system's use. So lomat. Naturally, many of those who ply Armenia's defense minister Seyran Ohan- their trade at the United Nations have had yan says that experience will allow them distinguished careers. Ambassador Garen to thwart any Azerbaijani attempt to use A. Nazarian, Armenia’s present represent- them: "I must point out that the acquisi- ative to the UN, is no exception. He rose tion of Russian S-300 air-defense systems quickly through the ranks, beginning at the [by Azerbaijan] cannot directly influence he closest person to a protagonist in end of the Soviet period, to hold a number the correlation of forces between Arme- the gripping historical mosaic “Army of key positions in the Armenian Foreign nia and Azerbaijan, because their use by T of Crime” is the eminent Armenian poet Ministry in a period of post-independence Azerbaijan against the Armenian Armed (). A rapid development and innovation. His ca- Forces would be fruitless under all pos- militant Communist and hero of the French reer is worth exploring not only for its own sible scenarios," he said. "The reason for Resistance, executed by the Nazis in 1944, sake, but also for understanding the devel- that is simple: we are very familiar with he is the noblest figure in a sprawling, sem- opment of modern Armenian diplomacy. those systems, we have been exploiting ifictional movie that has enough characters The first anniversary of his service at the them for quite a long time, and we know to fill an entire neighborhood. UN is an opportune occasion for such an the possibilities of reducing the effective- As the story begins in 1941 in occupied examination. ness of such systems." Ohanian was likely , Germany has just invaded Russia. August 23, 2010 referring to at least two batteries of S-300s Manouchian, along with fellow Com- Full story www.mirrorspectator.com that were deployed by Russia at its military munists, is rounded up and detained at a Armenians in Iran - Many leave base in Armenia in the late 1990s. nearby camp from which he is released for economic reasons, others Top Russian military officials announced after signing a document disavowing his stay to preserve identity in early 2007 that has further up- politics. A reflective soul, scraps of whose graded Armenia's air defenses and trained poetry are heard in the film, Manouchian Armenian military personnel to operate does not believe in killing. And the scenes the air-defense systems. The Armenian of his rendezvous with his beautiful, ador- military confirmed that, saying the training ing French wife, Mélinée (Virginie Ledoy- began in 2005. Ohanian added that even if en), who risks her life to bring him food Azerbaijan does acquire S-300s, it would while he is interned, lend the movie a faint need "quite a lot of time" to develop an in- romantic blush. ehran resident Anjik has seen her three tegrated radio-technical system for them. August 19, 2010 sons emigrate to the United States in August 25, 2010 Full story www.nytimes.com T Full story www.eurasianet.org recent years, and now her daughter plans to Visiting a medieval monas- go as well once she gets married. Mkhitaryan makes short Anjik, 60, is a member of the Arme- tery in Armenia move to Shakhtar nian community, which counts itself the eghard, Armenia - The medieval mon- world’s oldest Christian nation. Although idfielder Henrik Mkhitaryan has left Gastery of Geghard in Armenia's Kotayk FC Metalurh Donetsk for city rivals their homeland lay within the Ottoman M province appears almost camouflaged, being Empire, there have also been Armenians in and UEFA Champions League contenders partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, FC Shakhtar Donetsk in a reported 6m Eu- Iran for centuries. Recent years have seen surrounded by cliffs. Geghard was listed as a a surge in migration, though emigrants are ros transfer.The 2009 Armenian player of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and the year has signed a five-year contract with generally driven by the search for a better although the monastery has been in place life rather than discrimination. As a sub- the Pitmen, who top the Ukrainian top flight since before the 4th century, the main ca- eight matches into the 2010/11 campaign. stantial minority, the Armenians enjoy thedral was built in 1215. It takes the eyes a special status under the Iranian constitu- Capped 14 times by Armenia, the 21-year- moment to adapt to the darkness of the cathe- old started his career with home-town club tion and the right to pursue their own tra- dral's interior, which is lit up by a stream of ditions and faith. Anjik says emigration to FC Pyunik, helping them to four successive light from a hole in the cupola above. Visi- league titles between 2006 and 2009 with America has become easier of late, thanks tors strike matches on the grey walls, some to a scheme where members of Iran’s reli- 30 goals in 69 games. He joined Metalurh of which are part of the cliff face, to light last summer, featuring 29 times in his first gious minorities can file immigration ap- beeswax candles but even they fail to illumi- plications via the Hebrew Immigrant Aid term, and began this season with three goals nate this dark space which is devoid of relics, in seven matches. Society, HIAS, and then follow up at the country was part of the . Austrian embassy in Tehran. August 30, 2010 August 24, 2010 Full story www.uefa.com August 28, 2010 full story Full story www.earthtimes.org www.english.globalarabnetwork.com "Armenia Highlights" is compiled in association with & DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in "Armenia Highlights" do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Armenia. 4 AH