Author: Kalashian Nyrie

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN: ARMENIA SIGNIFIES REINFORCEMENT OF BILATERAL TIES WITH CHINA

Panorama.am
04/05/2010

Within the framework of the visit to China, President Serzh Sargsyan
visited Shanxi province May 3 and participated in the opening ceremony
of the "Shanxi -Nairit" joint enterprise.

The delegation headed by the President left for the Shanxi capital
of Taiyuan, where President Sargsyan met the Governor of Shanxi, Van
Xishan. During the meeting the Governor welcomed the guests, presented
the social-economic situation, as well as the current tendencies in
the province, referred to its historical-cultural heritage.

Governor Van Xishan thanked the Armenian delegation for visiting
Shanxi pavilion during Shanghai Expo 2010 opening ceremony.

Speaking on economic issues, Shanxi Governor referred to the steps
they had taken during the world economic crisis and their results and
voiced hope that economic cooperation with Armenia will contribute
to the development of the province.

In turn, President Sargsyan thanked the Governor for warm reception.

"Still in Yerevan, I knew about your province being a developing
industrial province with rich cultural heritage, though, people are
your greatest riches – tolerant, hardworking and creative," Serzh
Sargsyan said.

Referring to cooperation with China, President Sargsyan highlighted
that Armenia signifies reinforcement of bilateral ties with China.

According to Serzh Sargsyan, Shanxi -Nairit is a natural bridge to
develop bilateral relations.

Panorama.am recalls that upon the invitation of the President of
People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao, President Serzh Sargsyan left for
China April 29 on a working visit. During his visit President Sargsyan
attended the opening ceremony of Shanghai Expo 2010, had meetings with
PRC President Hu Jintao, Suzhou Mayor Yan Li. The Armenian President
had meetings with representatives of leading Chinese companies.

On the final day of his visit, President Sargsyan was present at the
ceremony of inauguration of Shanxi-Nairit plant.

NAIRA ZOHRABYAN, CZECH AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA CONCERNED OVER POSTPONEMENT OF EURANEST

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 4, 2010

Chairperson of the RA National Assembly Standing Committee on European
Integration Naira Zohrabyan received Czech Ambassador to Armenia Ivan
Jestrab on May 4.

Greeting the guest, Mrs. Zohrabyan thanked the Ambassador for the
efforts aimed at development of the Armenian-Czech relations,
particularly, for the restoration of scholarships for Armenian
students, who want to study in the Czech Republic. She said she
also raised this issue during a meeting with a Czech parliamentary
delegation already in March.

The parties discussed further stages of the Eastern Partnership
program implementation, process of Armenia’s European integration
and boosting of the Armenian-Czech relations. The sides also voiced
concern over the postponement of Euranest activity.

At the Ambassador’s request, Mrs. Zohrabyan briefed on political
motives of Armenia’s suspension of the process of ratification of
the Armenian-Turkish Protocols, RA NA press service reported.

LANDSLIDE IN LORI REGION, ARMENIA, BLOCKS RAILROAD TRACK

ArmInfo
2010-05-03 15:37:00

ArmInfo. Heavy showers in Armenia resulted in landslide in Lori
region, Armenia, approximately at 6:40am on May 1 on the 10th km
Vanadzor-Alaverdi railroad track. Over 500 cu m of soil have blocked
the railroad track, the Armenian Emergency Situations Ministry
press-service reported.

The track was cleaned up and the railway communication was temporarily
resumed on May 2. However, the track needs repair. To liquidate the
aftermaths of the rockslide, specialty vehicles were sent to the spot
from Yerevan. Cleaning up and repair is continued.

Another rockslide blocked Dzoreget-Dzoraghbyur road in the same
region. The road was cleaned up and traffic has been resumed.

RIA Oreanda, Russia
April 29 2010

EBD Signs Agreement on Terms of Operation in Armenia

Yerevan. OREANDA-NEWS . April 29, 2010. The Government of the Republic
of Armenia and Eurasian Bank of Development signed an Agreement on
terms of operation of the bank in Armenia. The document was signed by
the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Armenia Armen
Movsisyan and Bank Chairman Igor Finogenov, reported the press-centre
of KASE.

The Agreement provides for favorable conditions for operation of the
bank, and allows for enjoying immunities and privileges in Armenia,
which obtained a status of full member with Eurasian Bank of
Development in April 2009. The bank entered into corresponding
agreements with other member states – Russia, Kazakhstan, and
Tajikistan.

The bank signed a Memorandum on cooperation with the Armenian Ministry
of Energy and Natural Resources and a few memorandums with largest
companies, specifying forms and areas of business cooperation,
including companies like ZAO Armrosgasprom, ZAO International energy
corporation, ZAO South Caucasian Railroad, ZAO Armbiznesbank.

After signing the agreements a welcome reception was held in Yerevan
on behalf of Bank Chairman. The reception was attended by Armenian
state officials, ministers and heads of agencies, business people and
diplomats.

The Agreement allows for the bank beginning active operations in the
republic and simplifies access for companies to long-term investment
resources.

Currently the bank investment portfolio is composed of 20 projects in
Russia, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and exceeds USD1.3 bn. Six more
projects of USD780 m worth were approved with the bank.

As soon as Armenia had entered the membership the bank was actively
engaged in consideration of investment projects in the republic.

The priority remains with energetic, transportation, mining (in
particular, ores), ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, agriculture and
banking.

The bank is ready to implement significant investment projects in
Armenia and has all required resources, potential and capacities to
support potential borrowers when structuring projects. The bank is
taking part in projects on conditions of economical efficiency,
development potential, modernization competitiveness of the national
economy, and further integration with other member states.

NEGOTIATING DIRECTIVES FOR ASSOCIATION AGREEMENTS WITH SOUTH CAUCASUS COUNTRIES TO BE SUBMITTED TO FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL

PanARMENIAN.Net
April 30, 2010 – 19:40 AMT 14:40 GMT

European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, Mr.
Stefan Fule has said that the negotiating directives for Association
Agreements with the South Caucasus countries will be presented for
formal adoption at the Foreign Affairs Council on May 10.

"This will pave the way for the EU side to prepare for the launch
of negotiations. These Agreements will allow for close political
association between each of the partners in the South Caucasus and
the EU, building on common values and shared principles," he said in
his address to the EP Committee on Foreign Affairs.

"Closely linked to the Association Agreements, the EU’s offer to
establish deep and comprehensive free trade areas is also an immensely
important opportunity for those South Caucasus countries that have
fulfilled the preconditions. Such agreements of economic integration
will provide access to the EU market of 500 million consumers and will
help increasing trade flows and investments. The area of visas and
facilitating the mobility of persons is a field where the partners
in the South Caucasus are calling for more from the EU, feeling
the pressure from citizens experiencing complicated and lengthy
procedures. The visa facilitation and readmission agreements for
Georgia have already successfully been negotiated. Georgians can soon
benefit from lower fees and easier visa rules. Following the example
of Georgia, Armenians and Azerbaijanis would similarly like to start
discussions with the EU that will facilitate travelling for citizens,"
Mr. Fule said.

"It is clear that the demands are high from our partners in the
South Caucasus. But so are also the EU’s requirements on these
partner countries to make sure that their legislation is in place
and their administrative capacities strong enough to turn political
ambitions into actual delivery of results. My message to the leaders
in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia has been and will always be
that the responsibility for the internal reform processes and the
strengthening of democracy and rule of law lie firmly in the hands of
the governments and politicians of those countries. The Commission will
provide technical and financial assistance to help the partners meet
their objectives notably through the new Comprehensive Institution
Building programmes that we are designing together with our partners
in the East," he said.

CHARITABLE GALA CONCERT OF STEPHAN ELMAS YOUNG PIANISTS’ 5TH REPUBLICAN COMPETITION

National Assembly
April 30 2010
Armenia

On April 30 at 6 p.m. in Yerevan Komitas Chamber Music Hall the
charitable gala concert of the laureates of Stephan Elmas Young
Pianists’ 5th Republican Competition will be held. It will take place
under the patronage of the Speaker of RA National Assembly Hovik
Abrahamyan. Yerevan State Conservatory, RA Ministry of Diaspora,
RA Ministry of Culture, the Office of the Embassy of Switzerland in
Armenia support the organization of the concert.

The profit from the concert will be provided to create a rehabilitation
center for the children with different development disorders in the
town of Artashat. The center will be built by the support of Arabkir
United Children’s Relief Fund of the Armenian partner of Stephan
Elmas fund.

The action being held under the patronage of the Speaker of the
National Assembly will promote the creation of the rehabilitation
center in the town of Artashat, and it will be a support for about
700 disabled children of Ararat Marz.

TASTE OF THE WORLD: ARMENIA IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF FREE OUTDOOR CULTURAL FESTIVALS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY NOOR RESTAURANT | BALLROOM IN PASADENA

EarthTimes.org
/articles/show/taste-of-the-world-armenia,1273992. shtml
April 29 2010

PASADENA, Calif., April 29 /PRNewswire/ — noor restaurant | ballroom,
Pasadena’s brand new French Mediterranean Restaurant and Ballroom,
is generously sponsoring a series of free outdoor cultural festivals
highlighting the food, dance, music and culture of different countries
with its inaugural event May 15th & 16th, 2010. The event, hosted
by KCRW’s dj Tom Schnabel, will celebrate the artistry of Armenia
through a series of live performances by some of the most well-known
artists in the community.

Invited guests include Pasadena Mayor Bogaard, Congressmen Carol Liu,
Pasadena Council members and LA City Council representatives Paul
Krikorian. Guests will sample authentic food prepared by noor’s
Executive Chef, Jean-Philippe Sitbon, while watching exciting
performances by musicians and dancers.

"Taste of the World is a fun opportunity to enjoy and learn about one
of the world’s oldest cultures, and to partake in a celebration of one
of Los Angeles’ many diverse communities," host Tom Schnabel expresses.

The event will support Pasadena Jazz Institute, a non-profit
organization pursuing a three-fold mission of jazz education,
preservation, and participation. As one of Pasadena’s premier arts
organizations, the Pasadena Jazz Institute is keeping "America’s
Classical Music" alive through concerts, school clinics, performances
and jazz camps.

About noor restaurant | ballroom

noor restaurant | ballroom is a brand new French Mediterranean
restaurant and bar situated in historic downtown Pasadena.

Overlooking the famed Colorado Boulevard, the art nouveau designed
Sofia ballroom imparts a setting of elegance for all your events while
the art deco inspired Ella dining room provides a wonderful backdrop
to experience the innovative French Mediterranean mezze (tapas)
menu of Executive Chef Jean-Philippe Sitbon. Each room provides an
exquisite space for both private and corporate events.

KARINE HAKOBYAN SAYS NEW LAW ON ADVERTISING NEEDED

ARMENPRESS
APRIL 28
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, APRIL 28, ARMENPRESS: At the suggestion of the
parliamentarians of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation National
Assembly discussed April 27 the legislative packages of the bill on
making addenda to RA Law on Advertising, RA Law on Protection of
Consumers Rights and the bill on making amendments and addenda to
the RA Code on Administrative Offences.

‘ARMENIAN INITIATIVE OF GOVERNMENT FAILS’

news.az
April 28 2010
Azerbaijan

Deniz Baykal Head of the opposition People’s Republican Party of
Turkey Deniz Baykal has again criticized the government for signing
the Zurich protocols.

According to Hurriyet, he said the Turkish government has made the
biggest mistake by signing the Zurich protocols with Armenia.

‘This country continues occupation of Azerbaijani lands and does not
even say when it is going to liberate it and we have signed protocols
with it thus putting ourselves into an awkward state’, he said.

‘Why did we sign the Zurich protocols? To show another fiasco of our
policy. The Armenian initiative of the government has failed and the
premier comes and expresses gratitude to President Obama. I have
familiarized with Obama’s statements and was terrified with these
accusations towards Turkey.

He said for the first time that 1.5 mln Armenians died in Turkey. None
of the previous US President have ever gone so far. I do not understand
why the premier thanks him. He should better be a lawyer for Turkey’,
the opposition leader said.

ELINA DINIELYAN’S SET WITH TURKISH PLAYER ENDS IN DRAW

Aysor
April 28 2010
Armenia

The second round of a third stage of the Grand Prix FIDE among women,
taking place in Nalchik, has brought a failure to Armenia’s chess
players. Thus, Lilit Mkrtchian lost to Zhu Chen.

Elina Danielan had white against Turkey’s Yildiz Betul Cemre. Their
set after a long rotation from Elina’s victory to Yildiz’s victory
finally ended in draw. Elina Danielan earned half a point.