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President Serzh Sargsyan received the Secretary General of CSTO Nikolay Bordyuzha
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President visited the V. Hambardzumian Observatory of the RA National Academy of Sciences in Byurakan
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Today, President Serzh Sargsyan visited the V. Hambardzumian Observatory of the RA National Academy of Sciences in Byurakan. The President of Armenia familiarized with the reconstruction and modernization works conducted recently in the Observatory and observed the working conditions at the administrative building. Serzh Sargsyan visited the vacuum station and the V. Hambardzumian Observatory. In the course of the tour, the President was informed that taking into consideration a significant role of the astrophysics in the fundamental research and importance of having the largest telescope for the development of this discipline, the Presidium of the RA NAS in July 2012 adopted a decision on the modernization of the mentioned telescope. It includes renovation of the aluminum covered surface of the mirror, conversion to the analogous digital system, and works aimed at the acquisition of new light absorbers.
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According to those responsible, at the beginning of this year by the suggestion of the RA NAS and decision of the Government of Armenia, the Byurakan Observatory was included in the list of national treasures. As a result, the allocated means allowed to carry out throughout this year considerable works aimed at the maintenance of the infrastructure and its modernization, as well as to update the administrative structure. It was noted that the main portion of the works has already been concluded.
President received delegation of the Interparliamentary Commission on Cooperation between the RA National Assembly and RF Federal Assembly
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President Serzh Sargsyan received today the member of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the Interparliamentary Commission on Cooperation between the RA National Assembly and RF Federal Assembly Nikolay Ryzhkov and his delegation which has arrived to Armenia to participate in the works of the 23rd session of the Commission. The President praised the activities of the Interparliamentary Commission and noted that it is also thanks to the works conducted by the Commission through the years that the Parliaments of the two countries have stable and dynamically developing relations. With this regard, Serzh Sargsyan highlighted personal input of the Armenian people’s old friend Nikolay Ryzhkov. Noting that because of their interested and active work Nikolay Ryzhkov and members of his delegation are well-informed on every issue of the Armenian-Russian agenda, the President expressed thanks for their assistance in the solution of the agenda items. Serzh Sargsyan expressed hope that the Commission will continue to work actively, considering the fact that after Armenia decided to join the Customs Union, there is much work to be done, especially, in the legal field. At the meeting, Nikolay Ryzhkov presented results of the Commission’s meeting in Yerevan, assessing issues discussed in the framework of the agenda as current and pressing. Issues were mainly related to the improvement of transport communication between Armenia and Russia. He spoke with satisfaction about cooperation with the Armenian colleagues in the framework of the Commission for the last 16 years and expressed gratitude to the President of Armenia for attaching importance and encouraging works of the Parliaments in the context of developing interstate relations.
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President Serzh Sargsyan received delegation headed by the President of the Austrian Constitutional Court Gerhart Holzinger
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President Serzh Sargsyan received today members of the delegation headed by the President of the Austrian Constitutional Court Gerhart Holzinger. The President welcomed the members of the delegation to our country and underscored that high-level visits such as this one allow to discuss comprehensively current problems existing in the justice systems of the two countries, avenues to address them and achievements as well as to exchange experience. Serzh Sargsyan stressed the importance of further deepening and expansion of cooperation with Austria in different areas, including justice system, considering the fact that particularly in that area Austria has traveled a long road and can be very helpful with her extensive experience. According to the President, Armenia is cooperating closely with the European partners also in the reformation of the judicial and legal systems. Gerhart Holzinger noted that the Constitutional Court of Austria attaches great importance to its relations with the Constitutional Courts of other European countries and is glad to have this opportunity of close and efficient cooperation with the colleagues from the Constitutional Court of Armenia. At the meeting, presented was the role and place of the Constitutional Court in Austria’s justice system.
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CRONIMET Charity Foundation Assistance Program to the Kayan-avan Pre-school completed
Located at the very border of the Armenia and Azerbaijan, Kayan-avan of the Tavoush region is a tiny village with 306 people living there. Yet, the Kayan-Avan secondary school N1 has about 140 schoolchildren actively participating in various events, contest and Olympiads all over the country. These were the main factors influenced the decision making about the project, since CRONIMET believes that improving conditions in such school at the border villages and regions would at least to some extent prevent people leaving their communities.
Thus, the assistance project was designed and launched with Kayan-Avan in September 2012, having its main goal of supporting educational activities in the regions to encourage children and youth to pursue and complete their education. The building adjacent to the school has been planned to be fully renovated to serve as a pre-school for about 50-60 children.
Starting May 2013, major renovation of the pre-school building is undergone. The process has been is divided into two phases. The first phase included renovation of the roof and some preparatory works; while during the second phase the capital renovation of the full building has been carried out and concluded by October 2013. The investment made by the CRONIMET Charity Foundation totals to AMD 40 million.
As Mrs. Lena Vardanyan, the Director of the Kayan-Avan School N1 has told, this is very important project done by the CRONIMET Charity Foundation, since it supports bordering community and allows children from other nearby communities to come and study in the newly renovated pre-school, and this project significantly improved their living conditions and creates favorable environment for their education.
CRONIMET Charity Foundation has been established in June 2011 having its main goal of supporting children and people in need throughout the country. The Founder of the CONIMET Charity Foundation is the German CRONIMET Mining AG.
The Representation of CRONIMET Mining AG in the Republic of Armenia
President Serzh Sargsyan received delegation of the European Conservatives and Reformist Group of the European Parliament
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RA Prosecutor General’s orders on staff changes
By RA Prosecutor General’s orders a number of staff changes took place in RA Prosecution system.
Thus,
The Head of Property and Economic Crimes Department of RA Prosecutor General’s Office, First Class Counselor of Justice Grigor Navasardyan was dismissed from post according to his own request.
The Prosecutor of Lori region, First Class Counselor of Justice Hakob Gharakhanyan was dismissed from post pursuant to his own request.
First Class Counselor of Justice Grigor Elizbaryan was appointed Prosecutor of Lori region being dismissed from the post of military prosecutor of Lori garrison.
First Class Counselor of Justice Vahagn Muradyan was appointed Prosecutor of Armavir region being dismissed from the post of senior prosecutor of RA Prosecutor General’s Office.
First Class Counselor of Justice Armen Chichoyan was appointed Prosecutor of Shengavit administrative district being dismissed from the post of Deputy Prosecutor of Malatia-Sebastia administrative district.
Nune Khachatryan was appointed Adviser of RA Prosecutor General.
By RA Prosecutor General’s assignment, in order to replenish the prosecutor candidates list, a special test for prosecutor applicants was held and 19 participants did the test successfully.
President received the leadership of the International Athletics Federation and Association of the Balkan Athletic Federations (ABAF)
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President Serzh Sargsyan received today the leadership of the International Athletics Federation and Association of the Balkan Athletic Federations (ABAF), headed by the Vice President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), legendary sportsman Sergei Bubka. The participants of the meeting, including representatives of the member states and among them a group of the athletes of international repute, have arrived to Armenia to participate at the year-end Summit of the national Federations-members of the ABAF. The Summit is to be held in Yerevan on October 27-30 and will recap the sporting results of the passing year. Armenia became a member of this Association in 2012 and according to the guests has already registered certain success in the developing athletics which warranted the organization of the ABAF Summit in Yerevan. Serzh Sargsyan welcomed the guests from different countries and stressed the importance of communicating with the world famous athletes, particularly for young sportsmen, spoke about events carried out by them and aimed at the development of sports which are inspirational for young people. At the meeting, Sergei Bubka and leaders of the Federations presented to Serzh Sargsyan activities of the Association of the Balkan Athletic Federations and upcoming events. They expressed readiness to continue together with the International Association of Athletics Federations to assist the Athletics Federation of Armenia in boosting the development of athletics in Armenia. The guests stressed the importance and hailed Armenia’s considerable attention towards that sport, which in their opinion, is an important guarantee for the development of athletics.
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PM Congratulates Armenian Jewelers On Professional Holiday
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan welcomed yesterday the members of the World Congress of Armenian Jewelers at Government’s Conference Hall, who are in Armenia to attend the opening of National Jewelers’ Day-dated “Yerevan Show -2013” international jewelry exhibition.
“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, I congratulate you on National Jeweler’s Day. Appreciating our jewelers’ contribution to the economic development of Armenia and granting their request, the Government established that the last Sunday of October should be marked as the jewelers’ professional holiday. The Government thereby emphasizes how much it values this sector that we consider to be an economic priority. I would like to congratulate all the participants of this wonderful event, wishing them successful and fruitful work.
Armenian jewelers have centuries-long traditions. It is our comparative advantage, which we are obliged to use. We have talented jewelers, prominent businessmen, and it proves that our talented people can compete and achieve great success in this area. The Government signed an agreement with the World Congress of Armenian Jewelers to lay Thursday foundations of public-private partnership and assume mutual obligations.
The Government has undertaken to consider jewelry as a priority sector and provide the most favorable conditions for its development. In this regard, the establishment of the free economic zone will be a strong impetus for the development of the jewelry industry in our country.
Concluding my speech, I wish to assure you that you have a reliable partner in the face of the Government of Armenia. We are ready to raise jewelry to such a high level through joint effort that our people may be proud of the achievements we have had and we will have ahead.”
The Prime Minister next talked to Armenian jewelers coming from different countries, exchanging views on the ongoing projects, development opportunities and prospects.
“Yerevan Show – 2013” international jewelry exhibition was held on October 28 – the day following the National Jeweler’s Day. Participating in this exhibition are jewelry and watch producing companies, as well as jewelers, jewelry suppliers from more than two dozen countries.
President attended the opening of the Yerevan Show-2013 International Jewelry Exhibition
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President Serzh Sargsyan and Mrs. Rita Sargsyan today attended the opening of the Yerevan Show-2013 International Jewelry Exhibition at the Karen Demirjian Sport and Concert Complex. The event is being held on the next day after the Jeweler’s National Day holiday established by the decree of the Government of Armenia. At the exhibition, which has become a traditional event, presented are world famous companies manufacturing jewelry and watches, jewelers, suppliers of jewelry from Armenia and from two dozen countries from all over the world. Over 140 buyers have arrived to Armenia to participate in the Exhibition, which according to the organizers, is a good opportunity for the local companies to find new markets for their products. The President of Armenia toured the pavilions of the Exhibition, observed jewelry products presented by 125 local and foreign companies, tools and devices for jewelry manufacturing, conversed with the participants of the Exhibition about the problems of the area and programs for future development. With regard to the events organized in the framework of the Exhibition, President Sargsyan was informed that there is an intention to organize a conference entitled the “Current Situation in the Jewelry Production: Problems and Prospects.” At the Conference, the Chairman of the World Armenian Jewelers Association (AJA) Gagik Gevorkian will present Union’s project on establishing in Yerevan a jewelry free trade zone. At the Conference introduced will be the newly established the AJA’s research Fund of the Armenian Jewelers.
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President received delegation headed by the Senator-Mayor of Marseille Jean-Claude Gaudin
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President Serzh Sargsyan received today delegation headed by the Senator-Mayor of Marseille Jean-Claude Gaudin which has arrived to Armenia on an official visit. Serzh Sargsyan welcomed the members of the delegation and stressed the importance of different level visits for the continuous development and strengthening of bilateral relations. In this context, the interlocutors recalled warmly President Serzh Sargsyan’s visit to Marseille in 2011 and underlined with satisfaction that cooperation between Armenia and France, which is based on centuries-long close friendly ties of the two nations, are developing incessantly in almost every area – political, economic, and cultural. Attributing a great role for the development of bilateral relations to decentralized cooperation, the President of Armenia highlighted efficient work conducted in that area in recent years and expressed confidence that the visit of the delegation headed by Jean-Claude Gaudin to Armenia will give a new impetus to the development and strengthening of the Armenian-French relations. According to the President, thanks to the active interaction between the regional and municipal authorities of Armenia and France and reciprocal visits, many joint programs in the areas of education, culture, health care, tourism, and other areas of mutual interest are being implemented. The Senator-Mayor of Marseille Jean-Claude Gaudin presented to Serzh Sargsyan results of his meetings in Yerevan, including agreements signed in a number of areas, which in his opinion will further deepen cooperation in these areas. Jean-Claude Gaudin noted that his delegation comprises also representatives of French business community which will definitely have a positive impact on the establishment of new Armenian-French business relations and enhancement of French investments in Armenia. Senator-Mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin welcomed also opening in Marseille of the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia. |
RA Prosecutor General G. Kostanyan received EC Commissioner for Human Rights N. Muiznieks
On 21 October, 2013 RA Prosecutor General G. Kostanyan received the delegation headed by EC Commissioner for Human Rights N. Muiznieks. The head of EC Office of Commissioner for Human Rights I. Gashe, the deputy head B. Urumova, the representative of EC Secretary General to Armenia O. Pavlyuk were involved in the delegation.
RA Deputies Prosecutor General A. Tamazyan, H. Badalyan, E. Babayan also took part in the meeting.
Greeting the guests Mr. Kostanyan mentioned that he highlighted the cooperation with EC Commissioner for Human Rights both as RA Prosecutor General and as Armenian Representative to the European Court of Human Rights.
The Prosecutor General expressed readiness to continue the cooperation with the Commissioner for Human Rights on stable and comprehensive bases. Mr. G. Kostanyan briefly represented the steps implemented in the process of providing guarantee for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Prosecutor General highly evaluated the cooperation with the ex-Commissioner for Human Rights T. Hammerberg.
Congratulating Mr. Kostanyan on appointment as RA Prosecutor General Mr. N. Muiznieks emphasized that he was well-aware of Mr. Kostanyan’s activity and said he was sure they would have an efficient cooperation with RA Prosecution Office. EC Commissioner mentioned that his visit had a cognitive aim.
The members of EC delegation were interested in a number of issues regarding the soldiers’ rights in armed forces, issues on alternative service, the functions and authorities of prosecution office in the stage of judicial reforms.
RA Prosecutor General G. Kostanyan gave detailed answers to the questions the guests were interested in. He also offered to establish direct relations between the Office of Commissioner for Human Rights and RA Prosecutor General’s Office to have a quick exchange of information.
Staff changes in RA Prosecution Office are not due to close or not close relationship
Highlighting the public right to be informed, the provision of democratic principle of being accountable to public for one’s own activities and taking into consideration the public interest on staff changes in RA prosecution system and comments of several types, we inform the following;
It is commendable that inner administrative changes attract the attention of mass media and a wide mass of society. We hope that this attention shown to prosecution is conditioned by public perception of importance of prosecution role in the process of struggle against crime, legality provision, protection of citizens’ rights and interests.
The commentaries in media that there is allegedly a “staff massacre” in prosecution office, that the staff changes are based on personal motives are groundless, as
during the meetings with the deputies in National Assembly and at the very first conference in Prosecutor General’s Office RA Prosecutor General G. Kostanyan declared that he would not be guided by the principle of close and not close relationship. At the same time, G. Kostanyan proposed new conditions, new approaches to the system employees demanding from them to implement the proposed conditions, to be honest, to have high professionalism. So, any honest and hard-working person will always be in office without any obstacles, and the person who does not coincide with these principles will be dismissed.
We would like to emphasize that the changes in RA Prosecution system up to now are not connected with condition implementation proposed by RA Prosecutor General. Mr. G. Kostanyan has not dismissed any official of prosecution office, yet.
All the employees have been dismissed pursuant to their own requests. In the interviews many of them have clearly represented the reasons of their dismissal, that is, a long-term retirement, rest, health state or desire to do another job.
We think it is not reasonable to doubt the announcements of persons who have a long-term experience of prosecution work and have numerous state rewards.
The fact that the newly-appointed prosecutors in head offices appointed by G. Kostanyan are also long-term employees of the same system indicates the absence of personal motives in staff changes. The public responds on professional and human properties of newly-appointed prosecutors, which are only positive, just prove that staff changes in prosecution system are not based on subjective grounds.
From now on, when any prosecutor is dismissed not pursuant to his own request, but on the base of the conclusion of Ethics Commission adjunct to RA Prosecutor General by Ra Prosecutor General’s order, or is subjected to a disciplinary penalty, the public will be properly informed about the dismissal reasons and disciplinary penalties.
Meeting with personal representative of the OSCE chairman-in-office Andrzej Kasprzyk
On 24 October Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan met personal representative of the OSCE chairman-in-office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk.
Issues related to the current stage of the Azerbaijani-Karabagh conflict settlement negotiations and its prospects as well as situation along the contact line between the NKR and Azerbaijan armed forces were discussed during the meeting.
2013-10-24
United Nations in Armenia and Partners mark 68th anniversary of UN
The UN in Armenia, together with its strategic partners – government officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, private sector, civil society, educational institutions and media, celebrates the 68th anniversary of the UN today.
During the month, the UN organized various outreach events around the country: from the opening of a new UN Corner in the Gyumri Central Library, UN materials distribution through Bibliobus, numerous debates with youth, education outreach in different universities and organization of the Model UN Conference.
The celebration culminated with the UN Journalism Awards Ceremony, where two best journalists received awards for their professional coverage of issues related to the UN work in Armenia. The winner of category “coverage of UN Armenia work in general” was Martha Hahknazaryan from Golos Armenii, who received a tablet and a special certificate. Within category“coverage of UN work in the regions of Armenia” the winner was Lia Khojoyan from Panorama.am and WomenNet.am who also received a tablet and certificate. All other top candidates received certificates and other gifts, which will be useful for their professional work. The UN expert jury selected the winners based on their in-depth coverage, professionalism, knowledge of the UN mandate, importance of the issue in Armenian context and vision.
The UN Resident Coordinator Bradley Busetto said: “Since the establishment of the UN Office in Armenia to present day, due to the combined efforts of many agencies of the UN family, we can humbly point out that the UN had its tangible input in the advancement of the country and, certainly, is going to have in the coming future. The areas of application of our efforts through diverse programs are pretty much broad, encompassing mostly those in need. Nevertheless, we can express in one word the resolute objective for the entire UN system activities in Armenia – people, with particular focus on the vulnerable segments of the population”.
Other partners, also spoke about the important role the UN has in supporting the country’s efforts to advance sustainable human development and achieve the nationalized Millennium Development Goals.
Bradley Busetto thanked all UN partners, including the government, civil society and media for their cooperation and assistance in the work of different UN institutions operating in Armenia.
On 24 October 1945, sixty-eight years ago, the founding Charter of the UN entered into force. The UN Office in Armenia was opened in December 1992, after Armenia became a member of the United Nations in March 1992.
Air Communications To Be Liberalized In Armenia
A Cabinet sitting was held today, chaired by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan.
The government first approved a program to ensure competitive and continued provision of air transport services, established a project implementation task force and endorsed its composition.
After assessing several draft projects, it turned out that the policy of open skies will have the greatest positive impact on the economy, leading to jobs and growth in the number of passengers, as well as to reduced flight tariffs. The meeting set up a task force was set up, headed by the Minister of Economy and approved its composition.
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan reminded that there have been heated discussions over this issue and there were many contradictory approaches, from strict regulation up to the option of maximum liberalization.
“In order to take the best decision over this issue of strategic importance, the President ordered the National Competitiveness Council to sign a contract with one of the world’s most famous companies McKinsey. The latter hired the best professionals in this sector in order to develop a strategy for the Republic of Armenia.
The strategy was twice discussed with the President of the Republic of Armenia. McKinsey presented detailed reports and analyses, their experts visited Armenia several times and the result was a concept which is now submitted to your judgment.
According to the world’s best experts in this field, Armenia should go along the path of liberalization to promote GDP growth, create new jobs and make passenger traffic more comfortable and less expensive.
These are those basic principles reflected in our strategy, which specifies steps, measures and the timing of how these reforms should be carried out in the Republic of Armenia. We still have 5 days to work with the professionals of McKinsey in order to localize this paper to the maximum possible extent and make it feasible for our country. I am therefore asking all the stakeholders to continue working with the Minister of Economy. McKinsey experts will be available to provide all-out assistance, additional explanations and advice.”
The government passed a dozen decisions to amend relevant decrees adopted in 2002-2012 concerning the licensing process, the procedure for free granting of repatriation certificates, the approval of Dilijan International School program and a list of project implementation entities.
The Government approved a set of draft amendments to the Judicial Code of the Republic of Armenia and 8 other laws to create a new independent and self-governing judicial body – the Council of Judges, introduce a more efficient system of distribution of cases among judges, enact the principle of mandatory reporting by courts and judges, as well as to appoint court presidents for a limited period of time.
The meeting agenda comprised some 60 items altogether.
The answer of Deputy Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan to the question of News.am agency
Question: The European Parliament today adopted a resolution of “the Eastern Partnership”, which because of the doubtful efforts of some of the parliamentarians of the European Parliament, contains wording on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. How would you comment that?
Answer: In the EP resolution on “Eastern Partnership” the wording on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is in contradiction to the European Union’s official position, as well as to the positions of internationally mandated format of mediation – the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, USA and France.
Despite the fact that the above mentioned resolution is non-binding, nonetheless independent of the motivations of the authors of that wording, they should understand that they bear responsibility for its possibly negative impact on the negotiation process and undermining of the efforts of the Co-Chairs aimed at the peaceful settlement of the conflict.
Maneuvers of the NKR rescue service and the Armenia’s ministry for emergency situations
On 23 October President Bako Sahakyan partook in a final stage of the.jpg)
joint command staff maneuvers with the participation of the Artsakh rescue service and the Armenia’s ministry for emergency situations units in the town of Shoushi.
The Head of the State underlined in his speech that the events have shown high level of readiness, technical equipment of the two Armenian republics’ corresponding structures as well as the existence of close cooperation between them.
Bako Sahakyan considered important to hold such maneuvers periodically noting their usefulness for both Artsakh and Armenia.
President Sahakyan handed in awards and valuable gifts to the a group of representatives of the NKR rescue service, the .jpg)
RA ministry for emergency situations and other structures distinguished in the course of maneuvers.
President received Yuri Fedotov, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
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President Serzh Sargsyan conducted a working visit to Tavush marz
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