Author: Jabejian Elizabeth

CJSC SETS UP AN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTIC CENTRE ON THE ARMENIAN AND TURKISH BORDER

LRAGIR.AM
16:48:29 – 23/04/2009

In connection with the intensification of the dialogues between Armenia
and Turkey to resume diplomatic relations and the restoration of
the railway communication between the two countries, the CJSC "South
Caucasus Railways" decided to establish a subsidiary enterprise for
the international logistics center organization. The objective of
the center will be the formation of a system of transport for most
optimal route, in the shortest period of time, with minimal costs,
as well as with minimal harm to the delivery object.

The International logistics center will be established on the basis
of the border station Akhuryan, which will be taken on lease by
the enterprise.

The idea of establishing the enterprise has already
been approved by the senior management of JSC "Russian
Railways". A business plan project is currently being prepared.

IRAN HAS NOT YET PRESENTED FINAL VERSION OF IRAN-ARMENIA THIRD PTL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO ARMENIA

ArmInfo
2009-04-21 15:20:00

ArmInfo. The Iranian party has not yet presented the final version
of Iran-Armenia third power transmission line construction project
to Armenia, Director General of "High-Voltage Electric Networks" CJSC
Sahak Abrahamyan told ArmInfo. He said the project cost, which earlier
made up about $90 mln, will be determined upon receipt of the final
project version. However, it is not ruled out that after devaluation
of the Armenian dram the project cost may somewhat grow. Moreover,
the final project should undergo an examination procedure. Earlier,
a contract of PTL construction was signed with ‘Sanir’ Iranian
Company. Nevertheless, S. Abrahamyan said, construction of PTL must
be launched in 2009 without fail.

Earlier, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Armenia Armen
Movsisyan said it is scheduled to start the construction at late May
2009. At present, it is difficult to start the project implementation
because of unfavourable weather conditions. However, the problem of
financing has already been solved, the minister said and added that the
project will be carried out by credit funds of the Export Development
Fund of Iran. It is scheduled to build the power transmission line
within 2-3 years. According to the preliminary data, its length will
make up 400 km, including 300 km over the territory of Armenia and
100 km – over the territory of Iran. The carrying capacity of PTL
will make 400 MW with voltage of 220 kV in the territory of Armenia
and 230 kV in the Iranian territory.

Presently, Iran and Armenia are connected by two PTL with capacity
of 200 MW each. After construction of the third PTL the carrying
capacity between the countries will grow to 800 MW.

TRAGIC EVENTS OF THE PAST MUSTN’T BE FORGOTTEN

PanArmenian News
April 20 2009
Armenia

The 1909 massacres in Adana marked the beginning of the Armenian
Genocide of 1915, Armenian historian, UCLA Professor Richard
Hovhannisyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. "We must not forget
Adana massacre victims. It is one of the black pages of our history,
and we mustn’t forget about it. We ought to raise our future generation
in that spirit."

R. Hovhannisyan said that the ongoing dialogue between Armenia and
Turkey must not be linked to the events of past. "This is history, and
it mustn’t be linked to current negotiation process between Yerevan and
Ankara. Still history mustn’t be sidelined," UCLA Professor emphasized.

According to Mr. Hovhannisyan, the Armenian community is looking
forward to the US President’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide
prior to the anniversary of the tragic event. "Barack Obama’s recent
speech in the Turkish Parliament gives us hope that he hasn’t changed
his position on Genocide recognition," the historian stated.

On April 1, 1909 the tension in Adana erupted into riots, which soon
escalated into organized violence against the Armenian population of
Adana and in several surrounding cities. Reports estimated that the
massacres in Adana Province resulted in 30,000 deaths.

Turkish and Armenian revolutionary groups had worked together to
secure the restoration of constitutional rule, in 1908. On 31 March
(or 13 April, by the Western calendar) a military revolt directed
against the Committee of Union and Progress seized Istanbul. While the
revolt lasted only ten days, it precipitated a massacre of Armenians
in the province of Adana that lasted over a month.

IN LETTER TO OBAMA, ARF YOUTH IN ARMENIA URGE US RECOGNITION OF GENOCIDE

1596_4/18/2009_1
Friday, April 17, 2009

YEREVAN–The youth organizations of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation in Armenia have delivered a letter to the US Ambassador
to Armenia urging US President Barack Obama to stand firm on his
positions and recognize the Armenian Genocide in his April 24 address.

The letter, written by the ARF Youth and the ARF Nigol Aghbalian
Student Association, was sent on behalf of the ARF, the Republican
Party of Armenia, and Prosperous Armenia, three of the four parties’s
represented in Armenia’s ruling coalition government. The letter
was also cosponsored by 30 other political parties operating in
Armenia. Orinats Yerkir, the fourth member of the coalition declined
to participate in the campaign.

Sasun Sargsyan, a representative of the ARF Youth Union, discussed
the initiative during a press conference on Thursday. He said the
organization hopes the letter will show the White House that genocide
recognition is a vital national issue, both for the people of Armenia
and its Diaspora.

Turkey has tried to dissuade Obama and the US Congress from recognizing
the Armenian Genocide by asserting the issue is one pushed only by
the Armenian Diaspora. Turkish lobbyists and their cohorts in the
US media argue that a US recognition of the Armenian Genocide will
torpedo diplomatic efforts to normalize relations between Yerevan
and Anakara and is not in the interests of Armenia.

"Taking into consideration that Turkey propagates that only the
Diaspora is pursuing the recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
we decided to prove once again that it’s not only an issue of the
Diaspora, but also Armenia–its political forces, NGOs and youth
organizations."

The letter encourages Obama to fulfill his campaign pledge on April
24 by recognizing "the historical truth [of the Genocide], this time
as President of the United States of America."

"Your recognition of the truth is not only in the interest of the
American people, the Armenians and other peoples of the world, but
it is especially in the interests of the Turkish people," the letter
reads. "By doing so, you will be greatly contributing to putting an
end to Genocide, today and in the future."

Below is the full text of the letter:

Dear Mr. President, You are a believer in change.

We also believe in change.

Changes which are necessary, not only for the United States of America,
but for the whole world.

On the eve of the 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we,
the youth of Armenia appeal to you with the expectation, as you
stated during your recent trip to Turkey, that you haven’t changed
your position on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. We hope
that you will now fulfill the pledge you have made many times, and
in your annual statement on April 24, recognize the historical truth,
this time as President of the United States of America.

>From the day of its creation, the United States of America adopted
human rights, freedom, and democratic values and humanitarian
principles. As a witness to the tragedy of the Armenians, President
Woodrow Wilson, one of the best proponents of these values, at the
end of World War I, in the name of truth and justice, enshrined the
rights of the Armenian nation.

We are greatly encouraged that the House of Representatives of the
state of Hawaii, where you were born, a few days before the 94th
anniversary, officially recognized the Armenian Genocide and condemned
Turkey’s policy of denial and as such became the 42nd state in America
to do so.

Your recognition of the truth is not only in the interest of the
American people, the Armenians and other peoples of the world, but
it is especially in the interests of the Turkish people. By doing
so, you will be greatly contributing to putting an end to Genocide,
today and in the future.

We believe that you will help in reinstating the historical truth.

Mr. President,

Recognize the Armenian Genocide and future generations of the Armenian
people will always remember you and your people with gratitude

We believe in you.

A.R.F. Youth Organization of Armenia A.R.F. Nikol Aghbalyan Student’s
Union April 7, 2009

CISCO IS GOING TO ENTER ARMENIAN MARKET

ArmInfo
2009-04-17 17:39:00

The world’s leader in the field of internet technologies, Cisco
Systems, is going to enter the Armenian market. The vice president
of the company will come to Armenia by mid May 2009 to discuss
this possibility with the local authorities, the director of the
Enterprises Incubator Foundation Bagrat Yengibaryan said during a
press-conference today.

He said that the official will meet with representatives of the
Ministry of Economy of Armenia and will negotiate the possibility
of opening Cisco’s office in Armenia and participating in the local
e-society, e-space and e-government projects. Recently, a delegation
of Cisco visited Armenia, familiarized themselves with the local
market and discussed cooperation prospects.

Yengibaryan said that Cisco was also negotiating for establishing a
Cisco Academy in Armenia – not only in Yerevan but also in Gyumri.

Cisco was established in 1984 by a group of computer experts from
Stanford University. Today, it is one of the leaders in the field of
IP technologies.

The company has 57,000 employees all over the world and regularly
appears with innovative products and solutions in the field of IP
switching and routing, IP communications, network security, LAN, SAN,
home networks, video systems and applied network services.

45% RESPONDENTS OF CENTERARNEWS.COM’S POLL CONVINCED THAT OBAMA WILL RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN APRIL

NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY
APRIL 16, 2009
LOS ANGELES

In response to the question of whether Obama will recognize the
Armenian Genocide this April 45% respondents of the poll held by the
centerarnews.com website gave a positive answer.

Over 1611 people from 72 countries participated in the poll. 45%
responded with "Absolutely yes," 31% voted "Probably yes," 17% voted
"Probably no," and 7% voted "Absolutely no."

At present the website is conducting a new poll to clear up the
public opinion of whether the Armenian Diaspora should take part in
the Armenian-Turkish dialogue.

AZERBAIJAN EXPECTS ADVANCES IN GARABAGH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT FROM ILHAM ALIYEV’S VISIT TO RUSSIA

Azerbaijan Business Center
April 16 2009

Baku, Fineko/abc.az. President Ilham Aliyev has left for Moscow for
an official visit on 16-17 April on the invitation of his Russian
counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.

Azerbaijani sources say that within the visit it is possible
to expect new advances from Russia in the area pf settlement of
Armenian-Azerbaijan Nagorno Garabagh conflict.

"Azerbaijan has a chance for additional support of its fair position
as Russia is not interested in opening of Turkish-Armenian border
and Armenia’s heel to the West," a source said.

Yesterday Ilham Aliyev received Matthew Braiza, US co-chair of the
OSCE Minsk Group.

At the same time Russian sources indicate that presidents Medvedev
and Aliyev will discuss issues of energy co-operation and problems of
Caspian Sea legal status (3rd summit of Caspian states is expected
in Baku). In particular, on agenda is discussion of new perspective
directions of partnership in energy sector, in particular expansion
of Azeri gas sales market. In addition, it is expected that during
talks the parties will touch matters of Caspian Sea legal status and
"coordination of approaches towards multilateral co-operation in
the Caspian".

Discussion of actual international issues and regional problems are
likely to be focused as well. One of the central themes is Garabagh
conflict settlement.

DARCHINYAN IS AFTER KING KONG AND A TITLE IN A THIRD WEIGHT CLASS
by Igor Frank

411mania.com
April 15 2009

It is official; Vic "The Raging Bull" Darchinyan is moving up to
bantamweight to challenge Joseph "King Kong" Agbeko for his IBF belt
on July 11th, 2009 at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida,
to be televised live by Showtime.

After cleaning up super flyweight division by consecutively knocking
out three champions, Dmitri Kirillov, Christian Mijares and Jorge
Arce, Darchinyan is moving up to conquer a 118 pound division. His
opponent, Joseph Agbeko, a very rough customer from Ghana, has won an
IBF title that is at stake by brutalizing and knocking out a champion,
Luis Perez. A 29 year old Agbeko, who currently resides in Bronx,
New York, is extremely strong and supremely conditioned athlete
whose 81.5 knock out percentage indicates that he is a very hard
puncher. With 61 fights between them of which 48 ended by a knock out,
this is potentially a very explosive match up.

Would Darchinyan be able to hurt naturally bigger and stronger
Agbeko? "I will be ready and I will be stronger at 118," said
an Australia based Armenian champion who recently entered top ten
rankings on a mystical pound for pound list:"Agbeko will feel my power,
I promise you."

With only one controversial majority decision loss to Wladimir
Sidorenko, King Kong Agbeko feels and acts like an undefeated fighter
who is very confident of his chances.Would Darchinyan be able to handle
brute strength and power of King Kong? When asked how he got his nick
name, Agbeko replied:" My name is Joseph King Kong Agbeko. That’s my
real name. It’s on my birth certificate and my passport."

With the fight three month away, both fighters have plenty of time
to get one hundred percent ready for an explosive affair on July,
14th. Should Darchinyan be victorious in this contest, the doors
will open up for an incredible match up with Fernando Montiel, who
will be fighting for WBO bantamweight title on July 27th with Eric
Morel. On the other hand, Nonito Donaire is defending his flyweight
title this Sunday in Philippines against an undefeated Puerto Rican,
Raul Martinez. Should Nonito win and decide to go up in weight, the
rematch with Darchinyan, who insists that their first fight was a
mistake, would generate a lot of public interest and make both guys
richer. Stay tuned for further developments.

ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT AWARDS 10 LOCAL COMPANIES FOR QUALITY SERVICES

ARKA
Apr 15, 2009

YEREVAN, April 15. /ARKA/. Armenia’s Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
awarded Tuesday at an official ceremony 10 local companies for
rendering high-quality services to population.

This was the ninth annual awards ceremony the RA Government organizes
in Armenia. The top ten companies of 2008 were Armhydromed, the
Institute of Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Multi-Argo
Scientific-Industrial Company, Spitak Tnak (Small White House), the
Yerevan-based Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory, AMPG Group, Jermuk
parent company of mineral waters, Aghababyan Ltd, Semur and Co and
Bari Samaratsi (good Samaritan).

Congratulating the award winners on behalf of the RA Government,
Sargsyan stressed their free and transparent competition in the local
market and high-quality services those companies offer.

According to the prime minister, the aim of the annual governmental
awards is to boost competition and promote the most successful
companies.

"I am sure next year we will have more participants, a stronger
competition and, all in all, everyone will profit from this," Sargsyan
said.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: +374-10-517163
Fax: +374-10-517301
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website:
April 16, 2009

Reinstatement of Rev. Fr. Khoren Hovhannisyan

On Palm Sunday, April 5, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, gave his permission and blessings for Rev. Fr.
Khoren Hovhannisyan to be reinstated as a clergyman of the Armenian Church.
Following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Ararat
Kaltakjian, Grant Sacristan of the Mother Cathedral, re-conferred the cowl
on Fr. Khoren.

Rev. Fr. Khoren Hovhannisyan (baptismal name Nshan) was defrocked by
pontifical directive on August 7, 2002, for willfully deserting his
spiritual service. His Holiness Karekin II, taking into consideration Nshan
Hovhannisyan’s petition of repentance and regret, granted his request and
directed him to serve a one-year period of penance at the monastery of
Geghard.

Upon Nshan Hovnhannisyan’s completion of his one-year penitential service,
His Holiness gave his permission and restored Fr. Khoren to his position as
a monk and celibate priest. His Holiness has appointed Fr. Khoren to be the
next Manager of the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy of Calcutta
(Kolkata) and parish priest of the Armenian community of India.