Author: Nahapetian Lilit

ON ACCOUNT OF OWN INCOMES
Sussanna Balaian

Azat Artsakh Daily
Published on April 21, 2008
NKR Republic

Proceeding from the importance of vital problem, tasks have been set
before "Stepanakert’s bus station" CJSC, for increasing passengers’
level of service, which have begun to realize just from January,2008.

By the information of chief of the station Arayik Poghosian,
the transition to ticket system has not been realized easily,
so it operates by 60 per cent. The system has caused displeasure
at drivers’ stuff. So by joint efforts of the specialists of
"Kentronakan avtokayan" CJSC the roads of communites of NKR Martuni,
Martakert, Askeran regions have been investigated (their length,
situation). parallel with all these, the leaders of the structure
realize also construction works in the direction of improvement of
station’s building and surrounding territory, which, A.Poghosian
is sure, will increase the service work of passengers up to a new
level. Of course, he confesses, the tasks of construction character are
many, but chances of the station – limited yet.So repair of waiting
hall and reconstruction of stairs, repair of public conveniences are
being realized first of all.And all these are on account of station’s
own incomes logged in the first quarter.From achievements of the first
quarter of the station let’s note also, that from April 20 new routes
will work: Midzhnavan-Stepanakert, Sos-Stepanakert(again one route).

A NUMBER OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED IN PARALLEL WITH ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN YEREVAN

Noyan Tapan
April 21, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 21, NOYAN TAPAN. 5-6 big road construction projects are
being implemented under the Master Plan of Yerevan in the city. The
director of Yerevanproject institute Gurgen Musheghian said at the
April 21 press conference that in parallel with road construction,
a number of environmental problems will be solved: in particular,
there will be no traffic jams and, by forecasts, exhaust gases from
vehicles will be reduced 5 times.

According to G. Musheghian, a big ring road will be built from
Agatangeghos Street to Avetisian Street, thanks to which vehicles
will take 5-10 minutes to go along a freeway from Agatangeghos to
Avetisian Street. Construction work is also underway at the crossroads
of Sayat-Nova and Khanjian Streets, Alek Manukian Street and New
Highway (construction of a road along the course of the Getar River),
and Charents and Koryun Streets.

G.Musheghian said that construction work will finish in September.

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: U.S. SHOULD SET BENCHMARKS FOR ARMENIA’S QUALIFICATION FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER MCA

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.04.2008 14:16 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Giorgi Gogia, Human Rights Watch Caucasus
Researcher made an address on Armenia to the Commission on Security
and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission).

"Last month’s events not only threw Armenia into political crisis,
they constituted a serious human rights crisis. The way the Armenian
government responds to this crisis will test the integrity of its
democratic institutions and its commitment to international human
rights standards. This is also an opportunity for the United States
to constructively engage to resolve one of the worst human rights
crises in the country," he said.

"Human Rights Watch has a long record of work on Armenia. We closely
followed developments in the aftermath of the election. After the
March 1 events Human Rights Watch staff spent three weeks in Armenia,
documenting the serious human rights crisis that has emerged.

The United States Government should set clear benchmarks for
Armenia’s qualification for assistance under the Millennium Challenge
Account. These benchmarks should include the following:

Investigate alleged excessive use of force by police on the
morning of March 1, 2008 and later during the day. Ensure that
such investigation is in accordance with international standards by
accepting international expertise and assistance. This will ensure
independence and help to restore public trust;

Stop arbitrary detentions and provide full due process rights to
all detainees from the moment of their apprehension. Investigate all
allegations of ill-treatment during arrests and in police custody,
and release those who have been arbitrarily detained for alleged
participation in unlawful demonstrations;

Lift extensive restrictions on freedom of assembly by repealing the
amendments to the public assembly law; bring the amended law into
line with regional and international human rights law; and follow
recommendations provided by the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission
and the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; and

Stop harassment of the press and opposition supporters, including
detentions, repeated interrogations, dismissals, and usage of tax
audits as a political tool for pressure," Gogia said in his testimony.

ARMENIA: SIARHEY MANDRIK TO WORK WITH SIRUSHO

esctoday.com
April 17 2008
Netherlands

It has been announced that Siarhey Mandrik will work with Sirusho on
a brand new show and choreography for her participation in the 53rd
Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Belgrade in May. Sirusho will
sing her song Qele Qele.

The Armenian national broadcaster has announced that Sirusho will be
accompanied by two Backing singer; Tigran Petrosyan, who was a backing
singer for Hayko in last years Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki,
and well known armenian singer, Razmik Amyan.

Sirusho will embark on her western promotion tour which includes:
Germany, Belgium, Greece, The Netherlands, Spain, France and the
United Kingdom, where she will attend and perform at the esctoday.com,
UK Eurovision Preview Party on the 25th April, as previously reported
by esctoday.com.

Sirusho will be the 3rd representative of Armenia in the Eurovision
Song Contest, with her song Qele Qele Armenia will perform 14th in
the first Semi Final on 20th May.

TERRY DAVIS: I WILL BE GLAD TO HEAR ABOUT DISSOLUTION OF OSCE MG AS IT WILL MEAN SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT

arminfo
2008-04-16 12:56:00

ArmInfo. ‘I will be glad to hear about dissolution of OSCE MG as it
will mean settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict>, Secretary General
of the Council of Europe Terry Davis said during a press-breakfast in
Strasbourg, when replying to ArmInfo correspondent’s question. He said
that he concerned over the fact that OSCE MG has been working so long
as regards the conflict settlement. Along with it, he emphasized the
persistence, with which this format of OSCE MG works in finding the
conflict resolution. CE secretary general added that the difference
of OSCE MG’s manner of work is that it does not impose some definite
solution on the parties but assist them in it.

Talking of the latest developments of the negotiation process, T. Davis
said that he is unaware of the reasons for which Azerbaijan strives
to refuse of OSCE MG services. He also said that he can only suppose
that Azerbaijan shows great impatience regarding loss of time. Upon
the results of the recent meetings and talks with the Armenian and
Azerbaijani foreign ministers and the president of Azerbaijan,
he has an impression that the parties are very close to signing
of an agreement. He hopes that such an agreement may be shortly
reached. Moreover, he thinks that this agreement will be in behalf
of the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples, especially, in behalf of
the NKR people.

SITTING OF THE BSEC PA STATE-POLITICAL COMMITTEE HELD AT RA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

armradio.am
16.04.2008 17:55

The sitting of the State-Political Committee of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Organization was
held at RA National Assembly today. Delegations from Armenia, Bulgaria,
Greece, Georgia, Russia, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine participate din
the forum.

NA Vice-Speaker Arevik Petrosyan expressed confidence that the work in
the framework of the BSEC can play a very positive role in the regional
integration, as well as improvement of Armenian-Turkish relations.

Member of the State-Political Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, MP Ara Nranyan
said that constructive relations have been established with Turkish
parliamentarians within the framework of BSEC, which allows to soften
the disagreements and arrive at common decisions on some issues.

As for Azerbaijan, its delegation often comes forth with an aggressive
position in the BSEC PA, "which does not promote the constructive
discussions and is not welcomed by representatives of other countries.

ARMENIA’S POSTAL SERVICE TO BE MODERNIZED BY 2011

ARKA
April 16, 2008

YEREVAN, April 16. /ARKA/. The program of modernizing Armenia’s postal
service is to be completed in three years.

Hans Boon, Chief Executive Officer of the Haypost (Armpost) Company,
reported, under the contract for trust management of the Haypost
Company, the modernization program was to be completed in six
years. However, if the current rates are maintained, the program will
be completed in three years, he said.

The contract for 5-year trust management of Haypost by the "Haypost
Trust Management" (Holland) was signed in Yerevan on November 30,
2006. The contract stipulates a 5-year prolongation.

Boon said that the modernization program envisages the opening of
new comfortable post offices, higher-quality service.

He pointed out the hi-tech post offices will be a starting point for
Armenia’s postal service to reach a high level.

According to Boon, the modernization of the country’s postal service
will allow it to widen the range of services and transform post
offices to small shops that will provide a wide range of services.

The Haypost CJSC is Armenia’s national post operator, which has 900
post offices throughout the county and 4,000-member personnel.

A contract for 5-year trust management of Haypost by the "Haypost
Trust Management" (Holland) was signed in Yerevan on November 30, 2006.

Haypost Trust Management (Amsterdam, Holland) was founded to implement
a trust management program. The company is cooperating with Post
Finance International, which specializes in post modernization in
the developing countries.

GAS USERS IN ARMENIA WILL NOT SUFFER FROM RISE OF TARIFF, DIRECTOR OF ARMRUSGAZPROM SAYS

Noyan Tapan
April 16, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 16, NOYAN TAPAN. Gas users of Armenia will not suffer
from the rise of the gas tariff on May 1st. The chairman of the board
of ArmRusgazprom CJSC, director general Karen Karapetian announced at
the April 16 press conference that the number of users consuming up
to 300 cubic meters of gas makes 89 thousand and the monthly amount
of difference due to the rise of the tariff will make about 700 drams
(about 2.2 USD), while the montly difference for those using 300-500
cubic meters will make 1,000-1,100 drams. In his words, the business
sector will not be affected either as the tariff of 159 USD for 1,000
cubic meters to be used with respect to it from May 1st is quite low
as compared with neighboring countries, for example, Georgia where
this tariff makes 257-283 USD.

K. Karapetian said that Armenia is the only country to receive Russian
gas for 110 USD for 1,000 cubic meters. For Example, Russia supplies
gas to Belarus for 128 USD, to Lithuania- for 340-380 USD, Bulgaria –
for 276 USD, Sweden – 904 USD and to Denmark – for 1,115 USD.

According to K. Karapetian, the chairman of Gazprom company’s
board Alexey Miller will visit Armenia in May. During the visit,
the formula of gas tariff formation for the next three years will be
determined. K. Karapetian expressed confidence that henceforth too
gas will be accessible both to residents-users and to the business
environment.

SEYRAN OHANYAN ASSUMES OFFICE WITH A GREAT SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY

armradio.am
15.04.2008 12:06

President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree on releasing Seyran Ohanyan
from the responsibilities of the Chief of the General Staff of the
Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, RA Deputy Defense Minister
and military duty.

According to another presidential decree, Seyran Ohanyan was appointed
the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia.

Today President Serzh Sargsyan presented newly appointed Minister
Seyran Ohanyan to the senior Officer staff of the Army. The President
said he has been acquainted with Seyran Ohanyan for more than 20
years and does not remember a deed that would not bring honour to the
Officer. He highly appreciated Seyran Ohanyan’s active participation
in the formation and reinforcement of the Army.

According to President Sargsyan, the Army will remain in the focus of
special attention of the state, and today serious tasks have been posed
for the Armed Forces. Serzh Sargsyan expressed confidence that under
the guidance of the newly appointed Defense Minister and Chief of the
General Staff of the Armed Forces the Ministry of Defense will continue
successfully accomplishing those tasks, will uphold the steps directed
at increasing the efficiency of the Army and the process of reforms.

The President thanked former Defense Minister Michael Harutyunyan for
productive joint work and expressed confidence that his experience
and knowledge will serve for the development of the Army.

Seyran Ohanyan expressed gratitude to the Supreme Commander in Chief
for trust and noted that he is assuming office with the sense of great
responsibility. He said their efforts will be targeted at reinforcement
of the country’s defense capacity and security, the further increase
of the Army’s efficiency.

PACE TO HOLD URGENT DISCUSSIONS ON CRISIS IN ARMENIA

Trend News Agency
April 14 2008
Azerbaijan

France, Strasburg, 14 April / Trend News corr. A.Maharramli / PACE
spring session will hold urgent discussion on the crisis that has
occurred in Armenia after the presidential elections, MP Samad Seidov,
head of the Azerbaijani Delegation to PACE, stated to journalists on
14 April.

PACE Bureau considered the crisis, which occurred after the
presidential elections in Armenia on 18 February, between the
Authorities and opposition and death of 28 oppositionists. This is
a serious issue and it should be discussed, Seidov stated.

MP noted that discussions on any issue connected with a dialogue
between Government and opposition in Azerbaijan are held with the
participation of NGO representatives, which has not happened in
Armenia. Discussion of the crisis in Armenia, which caused death of 28
people and announcement of emergency situation in the country, in PACE
is very significant, as it may demonstrate rejection of the principals
of double standards towards Armenia and Azerbaijan, Seidov stated.

The situation in Armenia has also been included in the agenda of PACE
spring session, which started in Strasburg on 14 April.