Author: Vorskanian Yeghisabet

From: "Katia M. Peltekian" <[email protected]>
Subject: Yerevan to host CSTO states defense ministers’ session

Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
Nov 27 2008

Yerevan to host CSTO states defense ministers’ session
28.11.08 17:29

Regular session of the Collective Security Treaty Organization defense
ministers will run in Yerevan, the CSTO press service reported.

The session’s agenda includes topics of CSTO military coalition
construction improvement and Collective rapid deployment troops
setting up in Central Asian region. The defense leaders will also
consider a list of collective events for 2010-2014, and adopt a plan
of Defense Ministers’ Council for 2009.

The Russian Air Force Chief Commander, Lieutenant General Alexander
Zelin will deliver a report on current situation and prospects of the
CSTO Common Air Defense.

The CSTO is membered by Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, reported 24.kg.

RIA OREANDA, Russia
Economic News
November 26, 2008 Wednesday

Armenian Development Agency Council Met at Office of Government

Yerevan. OREANDA-NEWS . November 26, 2008. The Council has discussed
the following items: additional incentives for improving investment
environment in Armenia, ADA program of activities – 2009, criteria for
assessing the activities of the Agency. The meeting has also reviewed
the organizational procedure for Arm-Tech annual conference on high
technologies, the preparations for Shangai Expo-2010, as well as ADA
ongoing activities.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for adopting more practical and
objective approaches when discussing with and presenting to eventual
investors specific projects, account taken of RA Government’s
readiness to possibly back the implementation of strategic programs.

A number of agenda-related instructions were issued during the
meeting.

IN 2009 GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PUT FORWARD LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE ENVISAGING SINGLE APPROACH TO PAYMENT OF PUBLIC SERVANTS

Noyan Tapan

Nov 27, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN. At the November 27 special session,
the RA National Assembly adopted all the 11 bills and legislative
packages discussed the day before, including the government-submitted
package of bills (subjected to strong criticism), by which amendments
will be made to the Law on Salaries of Leading Employees of the
Legislative, Executive and Judicial Power in the RA and the Law on
Prosecutor’s Office.

At the end of a long debate, the keynote speaker, minister of labor
and social issues Arsen Hambartsumian assured the NA deputies that
the government proposal on establishing the salaries of the general
jurisdiction court judges and the prosecutor general (currently these
salaries are stipulated by the above mentioned laws) by a separate
article of the law on state budget will solve the problem temporarily,
enabling to raise the salaries of judges in 2009. The minister said
that in 2009 the government will submit the respective legislative
package to the NA within the framework of the single strategy on
payment of public servants.

Prior to the vote, the NA speaker Hovik Abrahamian announced that the
issue had been discussed with the prime minister the day before. The
government promised to present the concept in March-April of next year,
and after its adoption it is expected that "the government will raise
the salaries of civil servants and leading employees of government
bodies". It was additionally stipulated in the bill passed in the
first reading that the salaries of the chairman and members of the
Constitutional Court will make: in 2009 the salary of the CC chairman
will make 680 thousand drams instead of the current 340 thousand drams,
and that of a member of the CC will make 600 thousand drams instead
of 300 thousand drams. This changes will be in force from January 1
to December 31 of 2009.

The National Assembly passed in the second reading and completely
the bills on making amendments and additions to the following laws:
the Law on the Order of State Compensation for Losses of Revenues of
Community Budgets as a Result of Application of the RA Laws that Reduce
Revenues of Community Budgets, the Law on Payment of Civil Servants,
the Rules of Procedure of the NA, the Law on State Service in the
NA Staff, the Law on the Use of Cash Registers, the Law on Minimum
Montly Salary and the Law on Income Tax. By the last two bills,
starting from January 1, 2009, the minimum monthly salary and the
personal deduction from the gross income will make 30 thousand drams
(about 100 dollars) instead of current 25 thousand drams.

The parliament passed in the third reading and completely the bill
on general agricultural stock-taking, the bill on defence and the
bill on refugees and asylum.

November 26, 2008
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE DEPARTS FOR THE VATICAN AND LEBANON

On Saturday, November 22nd, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, departed for the Vatican to join the delegation of H.H. Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, on an official visit to H.H. Pope
Benedict XVI.
Following the weeklong visit, the Prelate will head to Lebanon for
the Catholicosate General Assembly which will take place from December 2nd
to the 6th in Antelias. The Western Prelacy has fifteen delegates at the
Assembly.
In the Prelate’s absence, Religious Council Chairman Very Rev. Fr.
Muron Aznikian has been assigned to oversee the daily operations of the
Prelacy.

DIVINE LITURGY AT THE PRELACY CHAPEL

On Saturday, December 6th, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the
Prelacy St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen Chapel. Services begin at 6:00 p.m.
The celebrant is pastor of St. Sarkis Church Rev. Fr. Khoren
Baboochian.
Members of the youth choir will participate in the services.

PRESIDENT BAKO SAHAKYAN VISITS THE PRELACY

On the afternoon of Tuesday, November 25th, President of
Nagorno-Karabakh His Excellency Bako Sahakyan paid an official visit to the
Prelacy. The President was accompanied by H.E. Archbishop Barkev
Mardirossian, Prelate of Artsakh, Nagorno-Karabakh representative in
Washington Mr. Vartan Barseghian, and officials. Given that H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian is currently at the Vatican as part of the delegation
of H.H. Catholicos Aram I for a visit with H.H. Pope Benedict XVI, the
President and officials were welcomed to the Prelacy by H.E. Archbishop
Yeprem Tabakian, Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian, Religious and
Executive Council members, Board of Regents members and principals, and
Ladies Auxiliary members.
The visit began with Archbishop Tabakian inviting Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian to deliver the Prelate’s remarks. In his written
statement, the Prelate welcomed the guests who are in Los Angeles ahead of
the Armenia Fund Telethon, and reaffirmed the support of our community to
the progress of Artsakh. Archbishop Tabakian then welcomed the President
and guests, and reiterated that the Diaspora is committed to the development
and advancement of Artsakh.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Dikijian stated that collaboration
with Armenia and Artsakh will surely be on the agenda of the upcoming
General Assembly of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in which he will
participate. Remarks were also offered by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and
Executive Council Vice-Chair Mr. Garo Avakian.
Archbishop Barkev Mardirossian conveyed his thanks and appreciation
for the welcome and for the expressions of support. He asserted that the
liberation of Artsakh two decades ago was due to the collective support of
all Armenians, stating that the same is needed for the successful
realization of all future endeavors. He concluded that we must defend and
strengthen Artsakh and prove that we are faithful in our responsibilities so
that God will grant us even greater opportunities.
Concluding remarks were offered by President Sahakyan. He began by
expressing thanks for the Prelate’s remarks and for the staunch support of
the Catholicosate of Cilicia. He stated that during his visit to the
Prelacy last year, he had the chance to report on anticipated projects and
now is an opportunity to discuss those projects with the Diaspora
representatives and have their input for the implementation. He stated that
Artsakh is still faced with the healing of old wounds and subsequently the
general advancement of the country, and expressed confidence that the
country will overcome these challenges because of the backing of all
Armenians. He concluded by urging all Armenians to remain united in the
safeguarding and rebuilding of our homeland and to visit Artsakh as it is
their home as well.
At the conclusion of the official visit, the President and guests
were presented with mementos. A reception organized by the Ladies Auxiliary
followed.

RECEPTION IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT BAKO SAHAKYAN AND MINISTER OF DIASPORA
AFFAIRS HRANUSH HAKOBIAN

On the evening of Tuesday, November 25th, a reception in honor of
President of Nagorno-Karabakh H.E. Bako Sahakyan and Minister of Diaspora
Affairs Hranush Hakobian took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hacob and
Hilda Baghdasarian.
The reception was organized by Armenia Fund.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian represented the Prelate at the event.

ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES YOUTH GATHERING

On the morning of Saturday, November 22nd, over seventy-five youth
from the Armenian, Coptic, and Syriac Orthodox Churches gathered at the
Angeles National Forest at Mt. Baldy for a day of prayer, workshops, and
social activities. The event was held under the auspices of the Council of
Oriental Orthodox Bishops which is comprised of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, H.E.
Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan (Syriac Orthodox Church), and H.G.
Bishop Serapion (Coptic Orthodox Church). The gathering was organized by
the OOC Youth Delegates Committee.
The day began with morning prayers led by Very Rev. Fr. Muron
Anizkian, Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, and Fr. John Mikhail, after which youth
from each church sang hymns in their respective languages.
In her welcoming remarks, Chairlady of the OOC Youth Delegates
Committee Sophia Allaf gave a brief background on the delegates committee
and its endeavors and mission, then introduced the committee members. The
youth were then divided into three groups for the workshop session. One
clergy member was assigned to each group to lead a discussion on the topic
of the day which was the history of the Oriental Orthodox Churches included
the three Ecumenical Council accepted by the churches, the similarities
between the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and the differences between the
Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the youth gathered for lunch over
which the discussions continued. After lunch the youth participated in
educational and social activities.
Closing prayer was led by Fr. John Saif, Youth Director of the
Syriac Church. Fr. John thanked God for His blessings and for granting the
opportunity for the youth from the three churches to come together,
reiterating that we are one church with one heart.
Closing remarks were offered by Sophia Allaf who thanked the
delegates for their hard work and efforts in the planning of the gathering,
and thanked the youth for their participation.

DFID ROUNDS UP ITS PROGRAMME IN ARMENIA

armradio.am
25.11.2008 16:50

After more than 10 years of operations, the UK’s Department for
International Development (DFID) rounds up its bilateral programme
in Armenia, following the country’s classification as a Middle Income
Country by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD).

Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia Mr. Charles
Lonsdale said: "The UK Government’s decision to close its bilateral
aid programme in Armenia s a clear sign of the country’s successful
efforts to reduce poverty and create a stronger economy. Although
DFID may be leaving, the UK remains strongly committed to supporting
development and reform in Armenia."

The UK began providing assistance to Armenia in 1993 – first through
direct cooperation with the Armenian Ministry of Finance and Economy,
then through the Know How Fund (KHF), managed by the UK’s Foreign
and Commonwealth Office (FCO). DFID became involved in Armenia
in bilateral and multilateral aid in 1997. Throughout this period
the UK has supported Armenia on its path to democracy and a market
economy. Over that time DFID has provided a total of over £70 million
to Armenia, in bilateral and multilateral aid.

Pauline Hayes, Deputy Director, Central Asia and South Caucasus,
DFID, said: "DFID came to Armenia to work with the government at all
levels to deliver policies and programmes which help the poor and
improve governance.

We are confident that our projects have made a real difference to the
lives of Armenians, from modernising central government to improving
the quality of life in remote villages."

DFID’s assistance has focused on reforming the public sector, managing
public finances, and supporting economic and social development in the
regions. DFID has contributed to improvements in the effectiveness,
accountability and transparency of public administration at all levels.

Over the last five years DFID worked with the regional administrations
of Gegharkunik and Tavush in identifying their key economic and social
needs and helped them to prepare and implement Regional Development
Plans (RDP). A key priority within the RDPs was supporting small
and medium sized enterprises to grow and create more jobs in rural
areas. Since 2005 funds have been used to provide business-training
courses and help businesses to access loans. DFID also provided around
1.5 billion AMD to fund projects in the two marzes, such as repairing
schools and hospitals and improving water supplies.

DFID, together with the Government of the Netherlands, has helped
the Government of Armenia to establish a more coherent and integrated
approach to budgeting by introducing new processes to manage the way
the public finances are allocated within the State budget. Since
January 2008 the new revised bu dget format, in parallel with the
old formats, has been rolled out across the whole of government. The
Government intends to produce the country’s entire 2011 budget using
the new budgeting format.

In cooperation with local and international partners, DFID has
supported a series of activities to strengthen Armenia’s cooperation
with the EU and raise public awareness of the roles of the key
European institutions.

Although DFID is leaving, the UK is continuing to work for a stable,
prosperous and secure Armenia, founded on democracy, good governance
and respect for human rights. This work includes support for conflict
prevention; assistance with defence reform and military training;
projects to support democracy and vulnerable social groups;
EU integration; and raising awareness of climate change and the
environment.

The UK will continue to support Armenia’s development through the
multilateral institutions, such as the European Commission, the World
Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
and the UN Agencies, to which the UK makes significant financial
contributions.

–Boundary_(ID_fBHJO8kWq wpi8zK04sWAlw)–

WHY ARE THE GENERALS SILENT?

Haykakan Zhamanak
Nov 19 2008
Armenia

Although the whole world is discussing the issue of ceding the
territories adjacent to Nagornyy Karabakh to Azerbaijan, and the
status of Nagornyy Karabakh is under a big question, our own generals
do not utter a word during this period of time.

Of course, news was received last week from Karabakh that local
generals are very displeased with the Meindorf declaration [on Karabakh
settlement] signed by [Armenian President] Serzh Sargsyan. Moreover,
according to reliable information, the generals have had quite
a tough talk with the president of the Nagornyy Karabakh republic,
Bako Sahakyan, and Sargsyan made a quick visit to Karabakh immediately
after this.

According to informed sources, Sargsyan told the displeased generals
directly that if they wanted to preserve their property, they should
be calm and keep silent. And since the generals have quite a lot to
lose, they "shut up", and are keeping calm. In fact, these generals
who have always said "no piece of land to the enemy", viewed their
"minivans", wood and other businesses as an "interest prevailing over"
the Karabakh issue. Naturally, it would not be that difficult for
Sargsyan to organize a very quick bankruptcy for any of these generals.

[Passage omitted: description of businesses run by generals.]

During the entire period of time, Serzh Sargsyan and the existing
regime have carried out a targeted policy, which has managed to finally
demoralise the top brass, against whom he has a lot of discrediting
evidence. All these generals can at any moment be accused in public
of crimes they have committed and can be tried. Thus, it is not by
chance that [former Karabakh defence minister] Samvel Babayan and
others refuse to speak about the Karabakh issue at a moment when
the solution is so close and not in our favour at all. In any case,
all our efforts to receive their comments have failed.

ACCORDING TO HAYK DEMOYAN, SOME ELEMENTS OF DECLINE OBSERVED IN ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS

Noyan Tapan

Nov 24, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The culmination of development
of Armenian-Turkish relations was the visit of Turkish President
Abdullah Gul to Yerevan. Since that moment, as the Director of the
Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan said at the November 24
press conference, some elements of a decline, which does not depend
on the Armenian side, have been observed in the relations between
two countries.

According to him, it was the Armenian side that initiatied that meeting
which was accepted by the Turkish side, but the Armenian side has
been waiting for a response "pass" of Turkey so far. H. Demoyan said
there is an opinion that the Armenian side had to take this step but
such is not the case. He reminded that even President Serzh Sargsyan
noted in his interview with the German press that the meeting had been
organized without any conditions. According to historian H. Demoyan,
the meeting of the two presidents should have been followed by some
actions – instead of stating the previous preconditions, that is,
the issues of setting up a commission and discontinuing the process
of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide by other states.

In the opinion of H. Demoyan, in order to prove its readiness to
cooperate with Armenia, Turkey first of all should open the Kars-Gyumri
railway in a maximum period of a year. Besides, bilateral negotiations
should start on opening diplomatic representative offices in Armenia
and Turkey. In his words, the Turkish side should not link any
statement or action (in terms of improving its realtions with Armenia)
to Karabakh as the Armenian side does take such a step with respect
to Cyprus.

As regards the meeting of Armenian and Turkish foreign ministers to
be held in Instanbul on the same day, H. Demoyan said he does not
expect serious progress from this meeting.

ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC LEADER TO VISIT ROME, JOIN IN ECUMENICAL SERVICES

Catholic Culture
nes/index.cfm?storyid=1214
Nov 21 2008

Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia, the leader of the Armenian Apostolic
Church in Lebanon, will visit Rome next week and participate in a
series of ecumenical events, the Vatican has announced. The Armenian
prelate will be in Rome from November 23 to 27; he will attend the
Pope’s regular public audience on November 26 and meet the Pontiff
in a private audience on November 24.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I ADDRESSES THE SAINT’EGIDIO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
"ECUMENISM, CHRISTIAN UNITY AND PEACE AMONG NATIONS"

His Holiness Aram I addressed the Saint’Egidio international conference in
Cyprus during a special session dedicated to the ecumenical movement.

In the first part of his talk, His Holiness highlighted the challenges the
ecumenical movement faces today. He described the present ecumenical
landscape with the following words: uncertainty, restlessness, tiredness and
stagnation. He said that ecumenism needs to redefine itself, its identity,
its goals and vision. Focusing on the unity of the church, His Holiness
highlighted the major aspects of the work performed by the ecumenical
movement, by referring particularly to a number of models and concepts of
unity. Aram I said that for various reasons churches were not able to take
concrete steps on the way towards visible unity. He challenged the churches
to take the question of unity seriously and within this context he mentioned
two imperatives specifically: the mutual recognition of baptism and fixing a
common date for the Easter.

Towards the end of his talk, the Pontiff made a number of practical
proposals with a view to giving a new drive to relations and cooperation
between churches. He then answered questions from participants in the
conference.

Talks were also delivered in that session by the Greek Patriarch of
Alexandria, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Cardinal Walter Kasper, the
President of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, and Dr. Mary Taner,
Co-president of the World Council of Churches.

##
View the photos here:
tos/Photos329.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

BUSINESS SUPPORT COUNCIL APPROVES THE FORMATION OF THREE THEMATIC TASK GROUPS

ARMENPRESS
Nov 19, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: The session of Business Support
Council took place today chaired by the head of the council, Armenian
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsian.

Governmental press service told Armenpress that the commission
discussed the issues of necessity and principles of establishment
of thematic task groups within the frameworks of the Business
Support Council, improvement and development of Armenian business and
investment environment, as well as the 2008-2011 program of strategy of
Armenian tax administration, the suggestions and schedule of events,
issues of financing of the real sector of the economy and the regular
rotation of new members of the council.

During the session the participants referred to the increase of the
resistance of Armenian economy in the conditions of world financial
and economic crisis and the events intended by the government towards
smoothening of the effect of the crisis.

The prime minister once more reconfirmed the government’s readiness
to support all the practical suggestions and grounded programs which
will be presented with an intention of support. T. Sargsian also
informed the participants of the session the process of negotiations
with the World Bank and other financial institutions and opportunities
of involvement of additional financial means.