Author: Toganian Liana

AZERI-ARMENIAN PRESIDENTS’ MEETING CONSTRUCTIVE – OSCE

Interfax
Nov 23 2009
Russia

The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen have a positive impression from the
sixth meeting of the Azeri and Armenian presidents on the Karabakh
settlement. The meeting took place in Munich on Sunday.

"The talks, which lasted almost four hours, were constructive. In some
areas, progress was made. At the same time, some issues still remain
open," says a statement of the co-chairmen posted on the OSCE website.

"The two presidents engaged in a detailed and in-depth discussion of
the most important unresolved points in the Co-Chairs’ proposals,"
the statement runs.

"The Presidents instructed their foreign ministers to continue working
with the Co-Chairs on these matters. As a next step, the Co- Chairs
are organizing a working session with the two ministers in advance
of the OSCE Ministerial Council, which will take place December 1-2
in Athens," the co-chairmen said.

ITALIAN AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA AWARDED YSLU COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL

PanARMENIAN.Net
24.11.2009 20:05 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Memorandum of understanding between Italian
Ambassador to Armenia Bruno Scapini and Rector of Yerevan State
Linguistic University after Brusov Suren Zolyan was signed in Yerevan
today. Under the new memorandum the center of Italian language and
culture named after Dante Alighieri will be enlarged at YSLU. Suren
Zolyan awarded Bruno Scapini with commemorative medal dedicated to
70th anniversary of the university and awarded him with the title of
YSLU professor.

ARMENIA’S IT SECTOR SHOWS 20% GROWTH

news.am
Nov 23 2009
Armenia

The crisis has hardly affected the Armenian IT companies, Karen
Vardanyan, Executive Director of the Union of Information Technology
Enterprises (UITE) Karen Vardanyan told NEWS.am. He said that surveys
to specify the figures are under way now.

"Pressured by the crisis, the enterprises operating in other fields are
thinking of enhancing their business efficiency, and IT application is
one of the ways of doing it. But this figure cannot even be considered
satisfactory," he said. "The IT development concept approved in 2008
points out that the number of IT enterprises is to reach 1,000 by
2018. But, statistical data show that only one of five enterprises
survives. That is 500 rather than 100 enterprises have to be opened
annually, whereas only 40 have been opened this year. But we do not
know whether the enterprises will survive on the market," Vardanyan
said.

According to the concept, the number of employees at the Armenian IT
enterprises is to reach 20,000 in eight years. "Everything remained
on paper. And it is the Government, enterprises, as well as the
society, that are responsible for the idea not being implemented,"
Vardanyan said. He believes that the sector’s development requires
"the domestic market’s response, which implies a change in the people’s
way of thinking."

Vardanyan pointed out three lines of developments of the Armenian
IT sector: the state government system and modernization of military
equipment; business; households. IT application will rule out shadow
businesses and embezzlement, while some people would object to it.

"80% of businesses in Armenia are either monopolies or controlled by
government agencies. Such businesses are not drawn in competition,
while competing businesses need IT technologies," Vardanyan said.

Educational software is considered a personal product worldwide, but in
Armenia hardly anyone is serious about education – both students and
their parents. "People worldwide view PCs as a means of education,
but our students use computers for playing, chatting or visiting
porno sites," Vardanyan said.

One of the major problems is that the IT enterprises do not ensure
enough discoveries and publications." We have a lack of interesting
ideas and need new discoveries. When they happen, they are recognized
the best in the world. This year a contest involving 400 venture
companies has been held in the United States, and an Armenian company’s
innovation was recognized the best," Vardanyan said.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE INVESTIGATES WHETHER BORDER OPENING CARRIES ANY RISKS

Aysor
Nov 23 2009
Armenia

As part of investigations in agricultural sector before opening the
Armenian-Turkish border, Armenia’s Ministry of Agriculture studied
whether there is a risk or which of them will appear if the border
opens.

"We’ve studied 46 major food goods in Turkey, and compared the
process. There is nothing to be afraid of as prices in Turkey are
higher than in Armenia. Just 6 or 7 pieces have lower prices in
Turkey than in Armenia," told journalists Deputy Minister of Armenia’s
Minister of Agriculture, Samvel Avetisyan.

Turkish government greatly supports local farmers and besides does
not comply with the rules of the World Trade Organization, according
to Samvel Avetisyan.

"Turkey government approved entering into WTO only if Turkey will
comply beyond the organisation’s rules. Turkey may implement
a discriminatory policy, if we don’t demand on banning of this
condition," he added.

"If we don’t implement a certain policy and programs of support
of farmers, customs and not only customs tools, then our farmers
may really face treats and danger when the border opens. It is very
important to adjust this sector, and carry out the get-touch policy
at the border. If Turkey says will not reduce taxes, then we’ll do
the same," said Samvel Avetisyan.

TURKISH PARLIAMENTARIAN: OPENING OF TURKEY-ARMENIA BORDER IS IMPOSSIBLE

Today
s/57691.html
Nov 23 2009
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with member of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly
(parliament), Nationalist Movement Party Deputy Chairman Mehmet
Shandir.

Day.Az: The U.S. and the European Union reportedly put pressure on
Turkey to ratify the Turkish-Armenian protocols. Will Turkey be able
to stand pressure?

Mehmet Shandir: Despite all the pressure, the NMP will further assert
Azerbaijanis’ interests in Turkey. Azerbaijanis need not worry about
it. It is impossible to open Turkish-Armenian border and establish
good relations between the countries until complete withdrawal of
Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territories.

The protocols were signed under pressure from the U.S. and the EU.

These protocols will not be ratified till Armenian occupation
is put an end. The government has sent these protocols to the
parliament. But the NMP would not discuss these protocols in the
foreign affairs commission and bring up them for the parliamentary
debates. We will closely watch the implementation of the promises
of the Turkish Republic to Azerbaijanis. No reason can not call the
Turkish-Azerbaijani friendship into question.

Q: The American and Armenian media are discussing the possibility of
U.S. recognition of the "Armenian Genocide" in the case of Turkey’s
refusal to ratify the protocols. What measures will Turkey take if
it happens?

A: Recognition of "Armenian genocide" by the United States does
not mean anything for Turkey. Recognition of any country except
Turkey does not play any role. These claims are directed against
Turkey who will pay tribute is in the worst case. Recognition of a
third country may hurt us, but not replace the truth. Only Turkey’s
recognition plays a role in this issue. Turkey will never recognize
the "genocide." No one will force us to do so. Even the pressure by
world powers such as the U.S. and the EU will not force us to call
our grandparents killers. The Turkish nation has never in its history
committed genocide against any people. The government does not provide
decent resistance to outside pressure and makes concessions.

Q: Nearly 50,000-60,000 illegal Armenian migrants work in Turkey. The
authorities immediately expel illegal migrants from other countries.

But why there are different rules for Armenians?

A: This is a wrong policy. Turkey has unemployment of more than 15
percent. It is not a wise step to turn a blind eye to illegal foreign
labor force in such circumstances. But it is not so important,
because Turkey is not closing its doors to people who come for a
piece of bread, and does not involve politics in this issue. The more
important for us is end to occupation of Karabakh and continuation
of Turkish-Azerbaijani friendship.

Q: What is NMP vision of resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

A: The Karabakh conflict is a problem of international level. Solution
to this problem without support of international community seems to
be impossible. Turkey should closely watch activities of the OSCE
Minsk Group and not only contribute to the solution of this problem.

Turkish-Armenian protocols can be implemented only after the resolution
to the Karabakh problem.

We demand the Turkish government to fully use the Turkish-Armenian
protocols for a just solution to the Karabakh conflict. We propose
a new version of the Turkish-Armenian protocols. Ending Karabakh’s
occupation stands in fore front in our new version, then denial
of the Armenian territorial claims against Turkey and only after
this establishment of bilateral relations. Armenians may have every
attitude to such an option. It’s their problem. But, we are aware
of the seriousness of the issue and will impede by any means the
implementation of protocols different of ours.

Q: Some Turkish media have recently competed in a demonstration of
love for the Armenians. How are sincere these feelings?

A: These media outlets make a grave mistake. These are false
statements. Their authors do not really understand what they
say. Our media are independent. Each of them approaches this issue
from standpoint of their interests. Such cases require us to be more
cautious. We can get a blow from a quite unexpected direction. Not
views of the Turkish media, but that of the Turkish nation are
important. The Turkish nation will never abandon its brotherhood with
Azerbaijan for the sake of dubious relations with Armenians. It will
never accept the Armenian claims against Turkey and Azerbaijan.

WITHDRAWAL OF ARMENIAN FORCES FROM KELBAJAR NOT DISCUSSED IN MUNICH

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
23.11.2009 17:59 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Baku’s statements that Armenian and Azeri Presidents’
discussion in Munich focused on Armenian forces’ withdrawal from
Kelbajar, a factor that may allegedly enable Turkey to ratify the
Protocols signed, is pure disinformation. Leaders did not touch on
such issue, said RA President’s Spokesman Samvel Farmanyan.

"Armenia is already accustomed to hearing so-called reliable sources’
reports following each meeting between Armenian and Azeri leaders. It
has been several times announced that a key issue in Karabakh peace
talks is Nagorno Karabakh status. All other questions bear indirect
nature," the Spokesman noted.

TIGRAN SARGSYAN PARTICIPATES IN THE "FRUITFUL ARMENIA" FIFTH CONFERENCE

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 23, 2009
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan participated today in the "Fruitful Armenia" fifth conference
in the "Marriott Armenia" hotel complex.

Governmental press service told Armenpress that greeting the
participants of the event and considering the conference very important
and symbolizing, the head of the Armenian government noted that
"Our fifth meeting witnesses that "Fruitful Armenia" conferences are
effective. The circumstance, that the fifth meeting is dedicated to
talented young people, who have what to say, is quite symbolizing.

We highly underscore the innovative ideas in the agriculture which
our young people are taking forward taking into consideration the
international experience as well. We are ready to support, assist
you in this work as we need fresh ideas."

The conference will be conducted from November 23-24.

Armenian Genocide memorial placed in park

Times-News
MagicValley.com

By John Plestina – Times-News writer | Posted: Monday, November 23, 2009 1:00am

92afaa-f376-5bc2-a842-4aad5e76f601.html

Liyah Babayan envisioned an Armenian Genocide memorial in Twin Falls to
serve as a permanent tribute to those who died in what has become known as
the Armenian Holocaust and to honor Armenian refugees who now contribute to
the community.

The 26-year-old Babayan, who came to Twin Falls from Armenia with her family
when she was 11, spent much of this year lobbying and raising money for the
granite memorial that was placed at Twin Falls City Park on Saturday.
Armenian refugees planted a flowering pear tree beside the granite stone.

The memorial is a permanent reminder that the Turks killed between
one-million and 1 1/2-million Armenians between 1915 and 1918 that were
living in what was then the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey).

"It really means a lot to my parents and my grandparents," said Babayan, now
a U.S. citizen who witnessed the fall of the Soviet Union as a child in
Armenia, then a part of the Communist union of 16 nation states.

Now pregnant and expecting a baby in December, Babayan said she knows her
child will not experience atrocities as an American.

"We have rooted ourselves in this community. I grew up here. We own a
business in Twin Falls," Babayan said, adding that many other Armenians who
came to Twin Falls as refugees are today United States citizens and
contribute to the community.

"The Armenian American community in Twin Falls donated the tree and plaque,"
she said.

Babayan approached Twin Falls Mayor Lance Clow early this year with a
petition requesting the memorial.

"He let me know that it might be an obstacle to place this type of plaque
and memorial on city property," Babayan said, explaining that the city wants
plaques to commemorate events that have direct historic ties to the Twin
Falls community. "The memorial commemorates a historic event that happened
overseas."

She explained that the memorial brings awareness to why Armenian refugees
are in Twin Falls.

The Twin Falls City Council approved the memorial in September by a 4-3 vote
after considerable debate.

RA NA PRESIDENT HOVIK ABRAHAMYAN RECEIVES THE MEMBERS OF AGO GROUP OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

National Assembly of RA
Nov 20 2009
Armenia

On November 20 the President of the National Assembly Mr. Hovik
Abrahamyan received the members of the Monitoring Committee of
Ministers’ Committee (Ago Group) of the Council of Europe (CoE),
led by the permanent representative of Romania in CoE, Ambassador Mr.

Stelian Stoyan.

Welcoming the guests, RA NA President introduced the developments
following the elections of 2008 and the undertaken actions in
overcoming the consequences of the March 1-2 tragic events to the CoE
Ago Group. Discussing in detail the developments of the last one year
and a half the sides agreed that serious progress has been recorded
in this sphere. The interlocutors also agreed that for strengthening
this progress it was necessary to continue the work, encouraging the
trust of the public towards the state instututions and the formation
of the public consent.

During the meeting the sides also touched upon the issue of the
normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations without preconditions.

ARMENIA’S FIXED 17.5% ECONOMIC DOWNFALL IN JANUARY-OCTOBER 2009

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
20.11.2009 15:08 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Over the past 10 months, Armenia fixed a 17.5%
economic downfall compared to the same period of last year.

According to the official data of RA National Statistic Service,
GDP in January-February comprised AMD 2466,3 billion. This is a very
promising rate which leads local and foreign experts to the assumption
that 2009 economic downfall will make up 15%.

Inflation rate in January-October was 3%, compared to the same period
of last year. Whereas only in October, this rate comprised 0.5%
compared to September 2009.