Author: Topchian Jane

EIGHTH CTS2008 INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXHIBITION TOOK PLACE IN YEREVAN

RIA OREANDA
Nov 18 2008
Russia

Yerevan. OREANDA-NEWS On 18 November was announced, that eighth annual
"Country of talking stones" CTS’2008 international tourism exhibition
took place in Yerevan.

The organizers of CTS were: RA Ministry of Economy, the Armenian Union
of Travel Agents and the Armenian Representation of the American
Society of Travel Agents, with assistance of USA ID/ CAPS (United
State Agency for International Development/ Competitive Armenian
Private Sector).

Representatives from more than 64 companies were present at the
exhibition this year: 13 travel agencies and tour operators, an
Aviation Company, 17 hotel complexes and rest homes, 2 insurance
companies, 13 state institutions and NGOs, 3 travel publications,
an information agency, 3 educational institutions, 8 restaurants
etc. Armenian provinces – Kotayk, Shirak and Vayots Dzor were
represented in separate pavilions, as well as the representatives
form Karabakh, Georgia, Uzbekistan and Turkey.

The main goals of the event were: promotion of incoming and regional
tourism, informing the potential local and international tourists,
stakeholders about the development tendencies in tourism, organization
of forum for all the interested parties.

Nerses Yeritsyan, RA inister of Economy made an opening speech. He
said:" There is a real progress in this sphere- not only the geography
of the participants expands, but also the assortment and quality of
products increase. The Government consider this sphere as a field,
where the real results and wins can be achieved in short period
of time . First of all this sphere promotes the opportunity for
achievement of high class services, and also to present Armenia to
the world through tourism packages.

The advanced progress of tourism is interconnected with improvement of
living standards. Once we learn how to provide high class services to
tourists, we will learn how to keep our environment clean. This field
can influence on the living standards, productivity, and incomes in
regions within the territory of RA very fast. That is why Armenian
Government put the conceptual mentality for future 20-30 years and
developed the five-year program of events, which became key priorities
of the agenda of National Competitiveness Board".

Nerses Yeritsyan assured once more, that the Government will
improve the infrastructures in the tourism sphere, will provide easy
access for sightseeing and historical-cultural places, and support
the creativity. "Creativity should predominate in Armenia to make
possible the development of high class and qualified tourism in the
country. The government must provide legislation and establish rules,
as well as settle special criteria for services. To spread the products
and ideas all over the world Government must envisage private sector
more aggressively. And today is a right time to reconsider the state
role and assistance in this field", – said Mr. Minister.

ARMENIAN-LITHUANIAN COOPERATION ISSUES DISCUSSED

ARMENPRESS
Nov 19, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: The official visit of the
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian to Baltic countries
kicked off November 18 with the visit to the capital of Lithuania
Vilnius. Armenian Foreign Ministry press service told Armenpress that
on the same day in the morning Armenian foreign minister met with the
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus. He noted that Lithuanian people
always had a special positive attitude towards Armenia and its people.

Minister Nalbandian pointed out that Armenia underscores the
development of bilateral relations with Lithuania, as well as
cooperation within the framework of European Neighborhood Policy and
EU’s Eastern Partnership initiative.

The interlocutors discussed in details opportunities of expansion of
Armenian-Lithuanian cooperation.

President Adamkus and Armenian minister discussed also the pace of
Karabakh conflict regulation. With the request of the Lithuanian
president Edward Nalbandian presented opportunities of regulation of
Armenian-Turkish relations.

Edward Nalbandian also met with his Lithuanian counterpart Petras
Vaytekunas. During the meeting the Armenian minister said that Armenia
underscores the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with
Lithuania.

The sides also said they are pleased with the high level political
dialogue between the two countries and contract-legal field which is
a serious basis for deepening the cooperation.

The ministers also pointed out the necessity of undertaking steps
directed towards the development of trade-economic relations. The
interlocutors discussed in details Armenian-EU relations and the
steps for making the relations closer.

With the request of his Lithuanian counterpart, Edward Nalbandian
presented the current pace of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
regulation. They also agreed over cooperation between the two countries
in the cultural sphere.

The Armenian minister also visited Lithuanian State University and
delivered a speech on "Security in the South Caucasus: Armenian
Prospect".

Edward Nalbandian also met with the representatives of Armenian
community of Lithuania.

Today foreign minister will depart for Latvia.

FUEL PRICES REDUCED IN ARMENIA

Panorama.am
17:37 19/11/2008

After reduction of oil price in international market, fuel price has
been reduced for several times compared with the European countries,
reports the State Committee for Economic Competition. Is the petrol
price reduction in Armenia adequate regarding the sharp fall of oil
prices in the international market in one and a half month and which
is the situation in the international petrol market?

According to the data provided by Armine Udumyan, the press secretary
of the Commission, petrol prices in European counties are the
following: for example, in Austria AI-95 petrol is â~B¬1.27 per
1 liter, in Belgium- â~B¬1.55, in Italy and in Germany- â~B¬1.45,
in Spain- â~B¬1.23, in Portugal- â~B¬1.46, etc. Today in Armenia
the price is 330 drams. Nevertheless, figures become clear in
comparison. In Austria, Finland prices of AI-95 petrol decreased for
4.5 percent in October compared with July, in Germany- 7.6%, in Greece-
5.5%, in Netherlands- 3.5 %, in Italy, Slovenia- 5.8%, in Luxemburg,
France -3.9%, in Portugal-2.6%, there is no change of price in Spain,
it increased in Belgium for 1.3 percent. In Armenia the price of the
same petrol has decreased for 16.5 % during the same period.

–Boundary_(ID_lQCVy+rUTZnGuVnUn+gFpQ)–

THE PROFIT OF HSBC HOLDINGS PLC TILL TAXATION FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2008 REACHED 10,2 BILLION DOLLARS

ARKA
Nov 19, 2008

YEREVAN, November 19. /ARKA/. The profit of HSBC HOLDINGS PLC before
taxation for the first six months of 2008 reached 10,2 billion
dollars, compared with 24,2 billion dollars for the full year of
2007, in an exclusive interview to "ARKA" agency said Tim Slater,
"HSBC Bank Armenia" CJSC general executive director.

"Though the profit for the first six months of 2008 was lower, than
for the first six months of 2007, but it has, after all, reached 10,2
billion dollars", – Slater said.

Slater informed that according to the holding’s interim report,
bank’s profit for the third quarter of the current year is increased
as compared with the same index for July-September of the past year.

"HSBC is a major recipient of deposits from investors, as well as from
clients, who transfer their savings to major and reliable structures,
and today the Group is one of the best capitalized and liquid banks
in the world", – said Slater.

In this context HSBC Bank Armenia’s general executive director
expressed concern over the information published in Russian mass media
about HSBC Holding’s unprofitable activity for the last nine months,
which he confirmed "was completely untrue".

"We don’t understand from where those figures have been taken, but we
are sure that it’s a mistake. HSBC Holdings Plc annou nces semiannual
results, we don’t give quarterly results. The HSBC Group is almost
certainly the most profitable bank in the world." – said Slater.

RA PRESIDENT, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE DISCUSS ISSUE OF MUTUAL INTEREST BY PHONE

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.11.2008 18:46 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan had a telephone
conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the RA
leader’s press office told PanARMENIAN.Net.

On Dr. Rice’s initiative, the issues of mutual interest were discussed.

"JUNIOR EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2008": ARMENIAN REPRESENTATIVES IN CYPRUS

Panorama.am
16:28 17/11/2008

13 years old Monika Manusharova has also left for Lemesos,
Cyprus to take part in "Junior Eurovision 2008" international song
contest. Remind that Manucharova was elected from 200 applicants to
present Armenia in the international song contest.

The author of "The sounds of my song" which Manucharova is going
to sing in the contest will accompany her as a back vocal. The
instrumentation of the song is done by the composer Ara Torosyan,
the show is by Artyom Gevorgyan, and stage clothes are made by
"Zatik" studio.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT VISITS CONTACT LINE OF ARMED FORCES OF SELF-DECLARED KARABAKH AND AZERBAIJAN

Today.Az
tics/49036.html
Nov 17 2008
Azerbaijan

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan visited the contact front line
of the armed forces of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan during his
working visit to "Nagorno Karabakh Republic".

Here he familiarized with the conditions of residence of servicemen
and organization of military duty.

Serzh Sargsyan also visited the place of digging of the so-called
"Tigranakert" and familiarized with the process and results of
archaeological digs.

Armenian President participated at the launching ceremony of an
irrigation water pipe Khachen-Martakert and flats for 47 servicemen
of the defense army of "Nagorno Karabakh" in one of the frontier
military units.

PRESS RELEASE
November 14, 2008
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434

Armenian Assembly of America Recalls Vice President-Elect Biden’s
Historic and Current Contributions Toward Armenian Genocide Recognition
and Prevention

1989 Senate Committee Video, Hrant Dink Legislation, Q&A with New U.S.
Ambassador to Turkey, James Jeffrey, and more

Washington, DC – As Armenian-American groups, and others, continue to
congratulate President-Elect Barack Obama and Vice-President Elect
Joseph Biden, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) recalls key
chapters in Vice President-Elect Biden’s historic and current
contributions toward Armenian Genocide recognition and defense of basic
human rights.

Biden Champions Armenian Genocide Resolution in Senate Judiciary
Committee – See Exclusive Armenian Assembly Video

Throughout his tenure, Senator Biden (D-DE) consistently pressed for
genocide affirmation and prevention. Among the defining moments with
respect to the Armenian Genocide, the October 17, 1989, Senate Judiciary
Committee mark-up of legislation affirming the Armenian Genocide,
remains an outstanding example of Senator Biden’s efforts and tenacity
in this regard.

As Chairman of this influential Committee, Senator Biden successfully
ensured passage of this important human rights legislation (S.J.Res.
212) and in so doing, reinforced the historical truth of the Armenian
Genocide, as reflected by the overwhelming quantity of official U.S.
Department of State records deposited at the U.S. National Archives.
During consideration of
S.J.Res. 212, Biden summarily rejected the assertion by 69 historians
that there was debate as to whether the Armenian Genocide had occurred
and equated it to those that would deny the existence of the Holocaust.
"There are 65[69] historians, just like there were, I could probably dig
up, if I had time, 65[69] historians, idiots, who would argue there was
no Holocaust in World War II." In addition, Chairman Biden squarely
addressed concerns others raised, including interference from the
Republic of Turkey stating: "The fact the Turkish government is offended
by this is of no consequence to the Senator from Delaware. The Turkish
government and other governments are always offended when something
occurs." Senator Biden also recalled the official U.S. diplomatic
record, of which U.S. Ambassador Henry Morgenthau cabled the U.S.
Department of State to alert America to the horrific campaign of race
extermination underway against the Armenian people in 1915.

Biden Presses Administration on Genocide Affirmation and the Need for
Reconciliation during Confirmation Process of Ambassador-Designates to
Armenia and Turkey

As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Vice
President-Elect Biden also repeatedly pressed the George W. Bush
Administration to reaffirm the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide
and also encouraged Turkey to reconcile with its past.

In his questioning of Ambassador James Jeffrey, Biden pointed out that
President Bush has on more than one occasion noted that the analysis of
the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), which was
commissioned by the Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC),
"marked a significant step" toward reconciliation efforts. Biden then
added that it would be more prudent to build on already existing TARC
recommendations rather than convening a new commission.

Turkey has regularly called for a new commission of historians to
review the Armenian Genocide, as means to avoid coming to terms with
its past and to divert other countries’ attention from its record of
denial; Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan, among others, has made the
point that some would like to keep creating commissions until one
might finally agree with the Turkish position. TARC was a joint
Turkish Armenian Commission, which commissioned and published the ICTJ
legal opinion characterizing the Armenian Genocide as one meeting the
UN definition."

Ambassador Jeffrey had no choice but to recognize that President Bush
had endorsed the ICTJ opinion and TARC recommendations, while also
acknowledging their significance. However, he failed to draw the same
logical inference Ambassador John Evans and so many others have. The
Assembly is releasing Ambassador Jeffrey’s responses to Senator Biden
in full, for the first time.

While the Administration did not revoke its anti-Evans doctrine, which
disallowed State Department personnel from affirming the Armenian
Genocide, Biden and other Members of the Committee received assurances
from the Administration that they did not dispute the historical fact of
the Armenian Genocide. In addition, the notion proposed by Turkey of
creating a new commission to study the past in an attempt to rewrite
history, was put to rest, especially in light of the work of TARC and
the ICTJ report.

Biden Honors Hrant Dink’s Legacy

Eighteen years after chairing the historic Senate Judiciary Committee in
1989, Senator Biden as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee, made history again. Upon learning of the assassination of
Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink and the law that crippled free
speech in Turkey, Senator Biden was quick to act. Chairman Biden
spearheaded legislation, S.Res. 65, which honored the legacy of Hrant
Dink and called for the repeal of Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code,
which penalized discussion of the Armenian Genocide and created an
environment of hostility and intolerance. This resolution enjoyed
unanimous passage in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where
President-Elect Barack Obama also served as a Subcommittee Chairman.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.

###

Editor’s Note:

Watch Biden’s remarks during the Senate debate.
ls

Questions and Answers between Sen. Biden and Ambassador Jeffrey
_2008/Biden_Questions_Jeffrey.pdf

1989 Assembly press release and transcript
pdf_2008/Senate_Judiciary_Comm-Debate_on_Gen_Res-1 0-17-89.pdf

Azerbaijan Business Center, Azerbaijan
Nov 15 2008

The US estimated positively Russia’s latest efforts for regulating
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Baku, Fineko/abc.az. On November 13, President of Azerbaijan Ilham
Aliyev received OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. The discussions focused on
the current situation of and prospects for the talks related to the
settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

OSCE Co-Chair Matthew Bryza (US) said Moscow Declaration signed by
heads of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia will help to solve Karabakh
problem.

`I think Russia has contributed a lot to the conflict regulation and
Declaration of Presidents signed in Moscow November 2 helps our
activity,’ Bryza said.

He remembered that Co-Chairs have submitted their proposals to the
conflict parties in Madrid and now the speech is about their
confirmation.

`As concerns our basic principles they are balanced and we hope the
territories will be returned to Azerbaijan for refugees to come back
there,’ Bryza stated.

He mentioned the possibility of peace-making forces to enter the
conflict zone. Co-Chairman also said the possibility of carrying out
future voting on Nagorno-Karabakh status will depend on agreements
between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Matthew Bryza also greeted Turkey’s efforts towards providing peace
and stability on South Caucasus.

`Turkey is very important country, a NATO’s ally. Turkey should play a
significant role on Caucasus that happens now,’ Bryza underlined.

SERGEY MARKEDONOV: "IT IS NAGORNO KARABAKH’S TURN TO COMMENT ON DECLARATION SIGNED IN MOSCOW"

Today.Az
litics/48988.html
Nov 14 2008
Azerbaijan

"Declaration on Karabakh that was signed by Armenian and Azerbaijani
presidents in Moscow has become one of the key subjects of regional
political discussions. After Azerbaijan and Armenian politicians
and experts and the ‘interested’ parties in the USA, Russia and EU,
have commended on the issue, Nagorny Karabakh should comment on
the topic, Sergey Markedonov, Ph.D. (Hist.), head, department of
ethnic relationships, Institute of Political and Military Analysis,
told ArmInfo.

"One can perceive this de-facto formation in the South Caucasus in
different ways. It is the only fully unrecognized republic since
Russia has recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia. One can recognize
its existence as reality like OSCE MG mediators do or US congressmen
who allocate not big funds for implementation of social projects
inside Nagorny Karabakh Republic. One can deny NKR people’s right to
existence like Azerbaijan and Turkey (less willingly) do considering it
just occupation of ‘Azerbaijani original lands’ by Armenia", he said.

However, he said, in case of any other approach to the phenomenon of
Nagorny Karabakh, it is evident that the settlement of the protracted
confrontation is impossible without the stance of Stepanakert, this
‘shady’ participant in the conflict and the peace process.

"By the way, a number of experts in Azerbaijan come out for a dialogue
of Baku and their citizens, Armenians by origin, since in compliance
with Azerbaijani legislation, Nagorny Karabakh is party of Azerbaijan
and the people residing there must be theoretically considered as
part of the state", Markedonov said.