President in Moscow participated at the sitting of the Eurasian Economic Supreme Council held in the extended format

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Եվրասիական տնտեսական բարձրագույն խորհրդի ընդլայնված կազմով նիստ

President Serzh Sargsyan, who is in the Russian Federation on a working visit, on December 24 in Moscow participated at the Eurasian Economic Supreme Council held in the extended format which was conducted with the participation of the Presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan and the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

The Eurasian Economic Supreme Council at the level of state leaders along with other issues adopted a plan of action (“road map”) for the Republic of Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union and Common Economic Area of the Republic of Belarus, Republic of Kazakhstan and Russian Federation. The members of the Council adopted a decision to approve the plan of action (“road map”). The governments of the Republic of Belarus, Republic of Kazakhstan and Russian Federation and Eurasian economic commission were tasked together with the government of the Republic of Armenia to work towards the implementation of the steps envisaged by the plan of action. The Eurasian economic commission was also directed to carry out the monitoring of the implementation of the steps envisaged by the plan and to inform the Republic of Belarus, Republic of Kazakhstan and Russian Federation on the results of the monitoring.

According to the mentioned above decision, the Eurasian economic commission will report on the works for the implementation of the steps envisaged by the plan of action to the next meeting of the Eurasian Economic Supreme Council held at the level of the heads of state.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia signed a Declaration on the plan of action (“road map”) of the Republic of Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union and Common Economic Area of the Republic of Belarus, Republic of Kazakhstan and Russian Federation. In order to deepen integration processes between Armenia and Customs Union and Common Economic Area member states, as well as acknowledging the necessity to further develop mutually beneficial economic cooperation between the Republic of Armenia, Customs Union and Common Economic Area member states, supporting the intent of the Republic of Armenia to become a full member of the Common Economic Area, the four Presidents who signed the document declared that the plan of action (“road map”) was adopted and spoke in favor of implementation of the steps envisaged by the “road map” aimed at Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian integration project.

President Serzh Sargsyan received the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group

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Սերժ Սարգսյան, ԵԱՀԿ Մինսկի խմբի համանախագահներ

 President Serzh Sargsyan received today the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Popov (Russia), James Warlick (US), Jacques Fore (France) and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kaprzyk.

The Co-Chairs presented the results of their negotiations in Baku and discussed with the President of Armenia issues related to possible future meetings at the presidential and ministerial levels to be held in the framework of the NK peace process.
Անկախ

President Serzh Sargsyan conducted a meeting at the Ministry of Economy

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սերժ սարգսյան,էկոնոմիկայի նախարարություն

 President Serzh Sargsyan visited today the Ministry of Economy. The President toured the premise of the Ministry, conversed with the employees of the Ministry’s departmental reform group, the Agency for Licensing and Authorization and other departments about their work and forthcoming plans, inquired about the working conditions and existing problems. Later, at the conference hall of the Ministry, the President conducted a working meeting with the leadership of the Ministry.

At the meeting, the Minister of Economy, Deputy Ministers and Head of Staff reported on the works carried out in their respective areas, spoke about the existing problems and development programs.

Minister Vahram Avanessian along with the economic trends presented also the main emphases which will appear in the future activities of the Ministry. In particular, he reported on the works carried out in the area of Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union, the process of reformation undertaken in the area of civil aviation, departmental reforms, improvement of business environment and information technologies, development of small and medium enterprises, as well as about the works conducted in the area of innovative policies.

Deputy Minister Ara Petrossian presented the area of trade and market regulation speaking, particularly, about the turnover and increase of export volumes in January-October of 2013.

Main activities conducted in 2013 in the area of quality infrastructure and technical regulation were presented by Deputy Minister Garnik Badalian. The Deputy Minister spoke also about the drafts of 4 national technical regulations, National Accreditation body, works of the national institutes of Standards and Measures.

Another Deputy Minister, Garegin Melkonian presented the results of international economic cooperation, cooperation with EU and intellectual property issues, particularly, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, assistance programs implemented by the European Union in 2012-2013 and other areas under his supervision.

Deputy Minister Tigran Harutyunian spoke about investment policy, main directions and priorities for industrial development.

Head of Staff of the Ministry of Economy Emil Tarasian familiarized the President of Armenia with the structure of the Ministry, reported on human resources and administration and steps taken towards the enhancement of the staff efficiency.
After listening to the reports, the President spoke about tasks and priorities before the Ministry of Economy. “To recap our tasks, I should say that there has opened a new and vast field for work, and I anticipate active, persistent and thorough work. I emphasize these words because such work qualities are really necessary for us, related to our membership to the Customs Union. We all should realize that it is a responsibility which we have assumed,” the President underscored.

Serzh Sargsyan stressed also the importance of the Ministry’s persistent work on other directions, including strengthening of favorable business environment, development of the areas which have great export potential and capacity to generate multiple jobs, support of small and medium enterprises.

Serzh Sargsyan spoke about the necessity to develop in the Ministry of Economy of analytical capacities and creation of a relevant center whose activities should be of a more applicable nature. The President stressed the importance of a public nature of the works conducted by the future center work and availability of its analysis for the public at large. The President of Armenia noted that as the initial step, he anticipates that already in February-March 2014, when the National Statistical Service will have issued final social and economic results for year 2013, the Government will present a comprehensive and meticulous analysis. Presented will be tendencies registered throughout the year; it will become clear whether goals set for year 2013 have been met and if not, what are the subjective and objective reasons which resulted in deflection, how the external factors have influenced the final results, what base has been set for future development, etc. According to the President, such analyses are also necessary so that adopted decisions and approaches become comprehensible for all.

At the Ministry of Economy, the President responded also to the questions raised by the participants of the meeting. In particular, presenting his view on the pension reform, which is being broadly debated nowadays, Serzh Sargsyan said, “You see, I have been working on that issue personally for some time and in the past have conducted a number of meetings, also with the participation of the political forces represented in the National Assembly, to be more precise, with at least four groups, with the participation of party leaders. The objective was to understand all problems which might appear – from public discontent to economic and financial problems, and with this conviction we have drafted a law, sent it to the National Assembly and, thanks God, we already have a law which has been voted on, and my attitude towards that law is positive. I hear different opinions every day and these opinions, by the may, could be easily split as political and professional; in political as well as professional opinions present are both superficial and rather thoughtful approaches. I would like every one who believes this is a useful reform to be more active. After all, what do we want? We want to put an end to a bad situation existing today, related to the social security of the elderly. To be honest, I occasionally feel embarrassed, ashamed. I even believe, the time has come to apologize to these people. We have to solve this problem so that future state officials are not compelled to apologize. I want every official who could have solved this problem years ago, hear me now, we wouldn’t be forced to apologize now. Tall tales that a system which was created through the solidarity of generations and decades is now being destroyed. Who said that is being destroyed? The system will remain intact. What we say is “we make this addition to it.” I am very positive about it, and all those who believe it’s a good thing, should be more active,” the President said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a group of the Ministry employees were awarded for their diligent and efficient work. Artak Baghdassarian, Head of the Economic Development Policy Department, Artashes Hovhannissian, Head of the First Division, Nina Ter-Grigorian, Leading Specialist at the Department of International Economic Cooperation received Presidential Letters of Commendation.

 

 Անկախ

At the invitation of President Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has arrived to Armenia on a state visit

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At the invitation of President Serzh Sargsyan, today the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has arrived to Armenia on a state visit.

The delegation of the RF President comprises Ministers, high-level officials from the Presidential Administration, governors, and heads of the leading Russian companies representing different areas. Among those who have arrived to Yerevan are, in particular, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, First Deputy of the Chairman of the Government Igor Shuvalov, Minister of Education and Science Dmitri Livanov, Minister of Energy Alexander Novak, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Regional Development Igor Slyunyev, Minister of Transportation and the Russian Co-Chair of the Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation Maxim Sokolov, Minister of Agriculture Nikolay Fyodorov, First Deputy Minister of Defense Arkadi Bakhin, Deputy Minister for Economic Development Alexei Likhachev, Head of the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Alexander Fomin, Director General of Rosatom Company Sergei Kirienko, Head of the Federal Tourism Agency Alexander Radkov, President of Rosneft Company Igor Sechin, President of VTB Bank Andrei Kostin, Chairman of the Gazprom Board of Directors Alexei Miller, member of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the Armenian-Russian Parliamentary Cooperation Commission Nikolai Ryzhkov, Senior Vice-Chair of the Russian Railways Company Valeri Reshyetnikov and other officials.

At the Shirak airport of Gyumri, after the official ceremony of welcoming the President of the Russian Federation, Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin at the V. Ajemian State Drama Theater participated at the opening of the Third Interregional Forum “Russia. Armenia. Customs Union.” At the plenary session of the Forum, which is conducted with the participation of the representatives of the central and regional state bodies, representatives of non-governmental sector and numerous businessmen (over five hundred) the two Presidents made welcoming remarks.

Before that the Presidents of the two countries visited the exhibition presenting marzes of Armenia and regions of Russia which is aimed at the development of cooperation between the regions of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation and at revealing Armenia’s potential and new opportunities for cooperation from the perspective of Armenia’s membership in the Customs Union.

At the Gyumri State Drama Theater Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin through the direct television space bridge observed the ceremony of full commissioning of the 5th energy unit of Hrazdan hydro-power station. Since January 2013, the hydro-power station has been working in the probationary-productive regime.

At the Forum venue, the Presidents of Armenia and Russia participated also at the stamp cancelling ceremony dedicated to the XXII Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. The two stamps issued on the occasion, show sports in which the Armenian team will participate at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi: the first depicts skiing, while the second is dedicated to downhill skiing. The left corner of the stamps depicts the Sochi hills.

After the opening of the Third Armenian-Russian Interregional Forum, Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin in Gyumri, on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the 1988 earthquake in Spitak will place a wreath at the Memorial dedicated to the victims of the earthquake and will pay tribute to their memory. Later, they will visit the military base n. 102 dislocated in Gyumri.

 

President made a statement at the Summit of the Heads of State of Eastern Partnership countries in Vilnius

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սերժ սարգսյան,վիլնյուս

 President Serzh Sargsyan, who is in the Republic of Lithuania on a working visit, today in Vilnius participated at the Third Summit of the Heads of State of the Eastern Partnership countries.

At the Summit, Serzh Sargsyan made a statement.

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Statement by Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Armenia at the Third Eastern Partnership Summit
Distinguished President Grybauskaitė,
Dear Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset I would like to thank the Lithuanian authorities and European Commission for hosting and running well the Third Eastern Partnership Summit. The five-year history of the Eastern Partnership testifies the necessity and viability of this format. It effectively complements the architecture of pan-European co-operation and provides with an opportunity to build qualitatively new, closer and expanded relationship upon the basis of shared European values. Developing such a relationship stems from Armenia’s and Armenian people’s spiritual-cultural and historical-political heritage, and it is the conscious demand of our society.

The Eastern Partnership enabled us to give new impetus to the modernization efforts to our state and society upon the principles of democracy, human rights and rule of law. It stimulated the agenda of our wide-scale reforms. Let me merely refer to the last three general electoral processes to demonstrate the measurable outcomes that raised the benchmark in this area and significantly strengthened the Armenian electoral system.

We have reconfirmed our commitment to drive through the reforms underway in our countries by the Joint Declaration to be adopted by the Vilnius Summit. Armenia is determined to continue with the implementation of the deep and large-scale reforms aimed at fighting corruption, ensuring free economic competition, raising transparency of government activities, safeguarding the independence of judiciary, guaranteeing freedom of speech, and strengthening the civil society, which constitute the pivot of Armenia-EU relationship. Building and strengthening Armenian nationhood upon European model has been the conscious choice of ours, and that process is hence irreversible.

Our major objective is to form such mechanisms with the European Union that on the one hand would reflect the deep nature of our social-political and economic relationship, and on the other – would be compatible with other formats of co-operation. The Eastern Partnership should become a natural bridge that promotes integration from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. In this sense we are committed to undertake consistent efforts towards building a more inclusive Europe free of dividing lines.

This very understanding is the guiding milestone of our foreign policy, and it is precisely in this vein that we seek to settle problems with our neighbors by attempting to internalize the success stories of reconciliation in Europe at a regional level. I believe that consistent adoption of the European values can help Turkey to reconcile with its own past. Today thousands of Turkish people condemn the Armenian Genocide and stand by us to commemorate the victims of the Genocide. I believe that on the eve of the Armenian Genocide Centennial the Turkish authorities should be able to demonstrate will and decline the policy of denial. In order to continue its integration with the European Union in a capacity of a European nation Turkey still faces the challenge of opening the last closed border in Europe and establishing diplomatic relations with Armenia. We expect that the EU member States, as our partners, will fully engage themselves and display consistency in order to remove the illegal blockade of Armenia by Turkey.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A few days ago in Vienna after a pause of almost two years a meeting of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan took place upon the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. Although it is too soon to talk of the results, the fact of the meeting in itself is a positive phenomenon. It is important to emphasize that the successful outcome of the negotiations in reality depends on our ability to reject the negative rhetoric and ease the tension on the Line of Contact. Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh have refrained from statements and steps that could destabilize the situation and embarked on the road of state-building founded upon democracy, human rights, free economic competition and freedom of speech, and unwaveringly move in that direction.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There are high expectations from the Vilnius Summit. We view this Summit as an important stage in the development of our relations with the EU on a more streamlined and realistic foundations. It is exactly in this context that we read the final document of the Summit and Armenia-European Union Joint Declaration to be concluded today.

Thank you.
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Prime Minister Pays Working Visit To Shirak Marz

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Վարչապետ, Գյումրի

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan traveled today to Shirak Marz of Armenia for a working visit.

His first stop was at Pemzashen community where the Prime Minister attended the opening of a reconstructed kindergarten building. On this occasion, Tigran Sargsyan welcomed and congratulated the residents of the community: “A campaign pledge made by the President of the Republic of Armenia has been fulfilled. Much has to be done yet in your community, since the need for kindergarten is three times the one available today. This means that the program must be continued. Allow me to once again congratulate you all on the first step.”

The Prime Minister went around the premises, getting familiar with the facilities and amenities, talking to the kids and getting photographed with them. The total cost of the project (note that the kindergarten dates back to 1960) is 76,171,019 drams. Implemented by Shinkarkas LLC, construction work started in November, 2012 and was completed in August, 2013. The reopening ceremony was attended by Head of the World Bank Yerevan Office Jean – Michel Happi.

Leaving Pemzashen for the regional center of Gyumri, the Prime Minister toured the Gyumri Technopark to inspect the ongoing activities. It was noted that the bulk of construction work was complete so that the Park would be commissioned by this yearend.

“Today, Gyumri Technopark fully provided programs. Several international organizations have already submitted requests for activity in the industrial park so that the Park project will be fully implemented in 2014. Our promise to build the Gyumri technopark and the programs to achieve progress in the field of IT are coming true. Dozens of companies are looking forward to getting involved the industrial park. Besides youth can benefit from services that is, it will be the best and most powerful information center in Armenia,” the Premier told the reporters during a briefing.

Then Tigran Sargsyan visited the newly opened Russian Book House in Gyumri, which serves as a center for sale of books and as a cultural center, which boasts a vast amount of literature on Armenian-Russian cultural relations and history.

The Head of Government asked about the center’s activities, talked to the students and made an record in the Guests’ Book. During the working visit to the second capital of Armenia, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan also visited the NAS Institute of Geophysics and Engineering Seismology after Ara Nazaryan, the unfinished building of which is reconstructed in the framework of the reconstruction program of Gyumri.

According to the project, the building has experimental and laboratory offices, an auditorium and a basement adapted for the installation and operation of equipment. Construction work is scheduled for completion in 2014.

The Prime Minister also visited the former buildings of a surgical hospital after G. Gulbenkian and the Gyumri municipality, as well as the Gyumri territorial department of the National Statistics Service of Armenia.

In this regard, the Prime Minister told reporters that the purpose of visit and inspection of the data structures is the study of these areas for the rational allocation of government departments and ensure the availability of public services.

The Prime Minister’s visit ended up with a short halt at Samaritain rehabilitation center, after which he attended an exhibition-tasting of dishes at Hoktember cinema in Gyumri.

Prime Minister Attends CIS Council of Heads of Government Meeting

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A regular session of the CIS Council of Heads of Government was held today in the city of St. Petersburg, the Russian Federation.

After a narrow-format meeting of heads of government, an enlarged sitting was held to discuss issues related to the development of cooperation within the CIS. In particular, the agenda featured implementation of the free trade agreement between the CIS-member States, power generation and use, etc.

Several instruments were signed at the meeting, including on financial statements to be produced by member countries’ business entities, information security, cooperation between customs authorities, statistics and other areas, as well as documents on amendments to a number of agreements.

As part of the agenda, the following was discussed and approved: an action plan to prepare for and celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, a strategy to develop cooperation in the field of tourism for the period up to 2020, a concept of cooperation in the field of renewable energy along with a priority action plan for its implementation, a program of action for 2014-2015 to implement the strategy of international youth cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States, a concept note to develop the Unified State Radar Identification System.

The meeting decided to hold the next meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in May, 2014 in the city of Kiev, Ukraine.

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev met in Vienna

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Նախագահ Սերժ Սարգսյանի և Ադրբեջանի նախագահ Իլհամ Ալիևի հանդիպումը

 Today, after the meeting between the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev in Vienna, the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group issued a press-release which states: “The Co-Chairs welcomed the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev in Vienna, where the Presidents have arrived accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the two countries to continue negotiations aimed at a peaceful resolution of the NK conflict. Present at the meeting were also the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Russian Federation, France, United States of America), as well as the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. This is the first meeting of the Presidents since the Summit in Sochi in January 2012. During the tête-à-tête conversation and ensuing working meeting with the participation of the Co-Chairs and Ministers, the Presidents discussed a wide range of issues pertinent to the resolution of the NK problem.

The Presidents agreed to give a new impetus to the negotiations aimed at reaching a peaceful solution. They instructed their respective Ministers of Foreign Affairs to continue to work together with the Co-Chairs towards the enhancement of the peace process, based on the registered achievements. They agreed to meet again in coming months.

As a follow up, the Co-Chairs will organize working meetings with the Ministers on the sidelines of the OSCE Ministerial Council which will take place on December 5-6 in Kiev. The Co-Chairs are planning to conduct a visit to the region before the end of this year.”

 

President Serzh Sargsyan continues his visit to NKR

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On the second day of his working visit to the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, President Serzh Sargsyan together with President of NKR Bako Sahakian observed a “tank combination” competition conducted at the Tigranakert training ground. The competition revealed the best participant through the precise firing and other requirements. Later, at the same training ground the Presidents of the two Armenian Republics observed the two-sided tactical exercise titled “Preparing the assault force of the Defense Army for full combat readiness: organization of defense, conduct of defensive battle, organization of assault.” The most important elements of the exercise were the actions of the raiding detachment in the flanks and in the rear of the enemy. Military exercised were followed by the ceremony of awarding the personnel: the most active participants of the exercised received emoluments.In Artsakh, President Serzh Sargsyan familiarized also with the programs carried out in mining area and prospects of its development. President Sargsyan continues his working visit to the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh.

Президент Серж Саргсян принял сопредседателей Минской группы ОБСЕ

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 Президент Серж Саргсян сегодня принял сопредседателей Минской группы ОБСЕ Игоря Попова (Россия), Джеймса Уорлика (США), Жака Фора (Франция) и личного представителя действующего председателя ОБСЕ Анджея Каспршика.

Собеседники обсудили вопросы, относящиеся к нынешнему этапу и дальнейшим шагам переговорного процесса по нагорно-карабахскому конфликту.

Thousands of Russian Nationalists Rally in Moscow

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Several thousand Russian nationalists rallied Monday in Moscow, venting against the migrants they accuse of pushing up the crime rate and taking their jobs.

Many demonstrators carried Russian imperial flags. One group displayed a banner reading “Young People Against Tolerance.” The protesters in a southern neighborhood of the Russian capital ranged from tough-looking youths to older people.

Animosity is strong among nationalists against migrants both from the former Soviet Central Asian republics and non-Slavs from the largely Muslim Russian Caucasus region.

Some demonstrators praised the riot and suggested it was backed by the state.

“People received a signal that if they engage in such pogroms, there will be progress,” said Yevgeny Morgunov, a 36-year-old researcher at the Russian National Academy of Sciences.

He said he didn’t support the radical exclusionary sentiment reflected in the nationalist slogan “Russia for Russians,” but said “if Russians feel good, the other people of Russia will feel it too.”

There were no immediate reports of trouble at the Moscow rally, but the Interfax news agency said police detained 12 participants in a similar rally in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk. Nationalist demonstrations were also reported in the cities of Irkutsk and Kazan.

A U.N. report in September said Russia has about 11 million migrants. The state news agency RIA-Novosti, however, cited the Federal Migration Service as saying only about 718,000 of them have residency permits.

 

President Serzh Sargsyan received delegation of the European Conservatives and Reformist Group of the European Parliament

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Սերժ Սարգսյան,Եվրոպական խորհրդարանՉարլզ Թանոք, Ռիշարդ Չարնեցկի

President Serzh Sargsyan received today the Co-coordinator of the European Conservatives and Reformist Group Charles Tannock and Vice-President of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly Ryszard Czarnecki. The delegation hosted by the President of Armenia comprised also other members of the Group.

Stressing that rapprochement with Europe has been and remains a critical component of Armenia’s political agenda, Serzh Sargsyan noted that our country is determined to continue large-scale institutional reforms for the benefit of Armenia and the Armenian people. According to the President, Armenia adheres to the European system of values and in her state-building and development processes is guided by the European standards.

The parties stressed the importance of maintaining the level of cooperation with EU reached by Armenia in recent years and its further deepening.

At the meeting discussed were issues related to the European agenda of Armenia’s foreign policy, regional problems, and the NK peace process.

 

President attended the opening of the Yerevan Show-2013 International Jewelry Exhibition

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Սերժ Սարգսյան, տիկին Ռիտա Սարգսյան,«Երևան շոու-2013»

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.

 

 

PRESIDENT PARTICIPATED AT THE COUNCIL OF THE CIS HEADS OF STATE IN MINSK

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4405_bIn the framework of this working visit to the Republic of Belarus, President Serzh Sargsyan participated today at the session of the Council of the CIS Heads of State conducted initially in the restricted and later in the extended format.

The Presidents of the Commonwealth member states in the framework of the agenda discussed 14 items encompassing different areas and pertinent to the prospects of expanding trade and economic relations, cooperation in the law enforcement area, further development of cultural and humanitarian ties.

Issues under consideration comprised programs related to cooperation in 2014-2016 in fighting terrorism and other violent manifestations of extremism, cooperation in fighting drug trafficking and program of countering drug abuse for years 2014-2018. Participants of the meeting approved all programs mentioned above.

The Presidents discussed and approved also the interstate program of joint events for 2014-2018 of fighting crime and program of cooperation of the CIS member states in fighting human trafficking for the same period of time.

Adopted at the meeting were also the agreement on the establishment of the interstate council for fighting corruption and the concept on the fight against crimes carried out with the use of technological means.

With regard to the cooperation in the humanitarian area, discussed were preparatory issues for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. It was decided to declare year 2014 a Year of Tourism in CIS. In addition, it was decided to implement in 2014 the interstate program The Cultural Capitals of CIS.

It was decided to convene the next meeting of the CIS Heads of State in Kiev. Ukraine assumed Presidency in the CIS.

In the capital of Belarus, President Serzh Sargsyan along with other Presidents of the CIS member states participated also in the founding of the Alley of Honorary Guests in the courtyard of the Independence Palace.

President Serzh Sargsyan in Paris met with the President of France François Hollande

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President Serzh Sargsyan, who is in the French Republic on a working visit today met with the President of France François Hollande. At the beginning of the meeting, Serzh Sargsyan thanked the President of France for the warm welcome and noted that he was greatly pleased to once again visit friendly France.

The President of Armenia noted with satisfaction that the Armenian-French relations, which are nourished by the close historical relations of the two nations, in last twenty years have been developing steadily, reaching the highest point in their history. According to the President, Armenian-French friendship is so deep, comprehensive and multifaceted that it would be difficult to define it in one or two sentences.

In Serzh Sargsyan’s words, such quality of relations was achieved by our countries thanks to a regular high-level dialogue, including the reciprocal visits of the Armenian and French Presidents, close interparliamentary cooperation, dynamic cultural, educational and scientific interaction, as well as through the regular contacts between the responsible officials from different areas.

The President noted that in recent years in the special Armenian-French relations there has been formed a wonderful tradition of maintaining that high-level dialogue – at least one annual meeting between the Presidents during which the parties discuss issues related to the Armenian-French, as well as Armenia-EU cooperation, urgent regional and global issues.

At today’s meeting too, the Presidents of Armenia and France also discussed in detail all the mentioned above problems.

With regard to the trade and economic relations, President Sargsyan noted with satisfaction the presence in Armenia of a large French business community with leading companies such as Carrefour, Pernod Richard, Orange, Credit Agricole, Alcatel, and Veolia which will soon be amplified by other companies.

The President stressed also the importance of the assistance programs launched this year by the French Development Agency. He underscored that decentralized cooperation is also developing successfully: Over 30 local authorities of Armenia and France have established close partnership relations. In that context, the President of France stressed, in particular, the importance of the Third Convention on Decentralized Cooperation to be held October 15-17 in Valence.

Speaking about interparliamentary ties, the Presidents of Armenia and France noted with satisfaction that friendship groups are working actively in the parliaments of the two countries. It’s been one year since Armenia joined the International Organization of Francophonie; the Armenian-French cultural and education relations are also developing successfully.

At the meeting, President Serzh Sargsyan once again expressed thanks to François Hollande for the continued efforts of the French side aimed at the peaceful resolution of the NK conflict. The Presidents of Armenia and France reiterated that there is no alternative to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairmanship. Serzh Sargsyan noted that Armenia attaches special importance to the personal involvement of the French President in the process.

The parties spoke in detail about the prospects of Armenia-EU cooperation. They agreed that maximum efforts should be made to maintain the tempo and quality of the cooperation, to continue the process of reformation in Armenia. President Sargsyan reiterated Armenia’s commitment to carry on. President François Hollande assured that France – as Armenia’s friend and one of the leaders of the European Union and major international player – will continue to assist Armenia in moving forward her European agenda.

At the meeting, the President of Armenia once again expressed gratitude for France’s significant contribution to the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

To ensure the continuation of the high-level political dialogue established between the two countries, Serzh Sargsyan reiterated the invitation extended to the President of France to conduct a state visit to the Republic of Armenia.

Working visit of President Serzh Sargsyan to Shirak marz

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 President Serzh Sargsyan conducted today a working visit to Shirak marz. In Gyumri, the President attended the opening of the Oktet musical school n. 6 named after Azat Shishian. He toured the renovated premise of the school, familiarized with the conducted works, was present at the concert performed by the students of the school and participated at the symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the schoolyard.

The school, which was built in 1976, was devastated during the 1988 earthquake. In 1990, the educational process was resumed in a small cottage. The school was rebuilt in 2012-2013 jointly by the Mediamax media company, Fund for Armenian Relief, and Do Something program in the framework of the Rock Helps Armenia project. The project of the school reconstruction was supported by the main sponsor Mardigian Family Foundation, world famous rock-musicians Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi, Vivacell-MTS and many other contributors, including the government of Armenia, benefactors, and a number of private companies.

Afterwards, the President visited Aragats Boulevard in Guymri, where he was familiarized with the works for the capital overhaul of the boulevard. The President was reported that Aragats Boulevard constructed in 1960-s, which connects the Victory Avenue to the Vardanants Square, was not renovated since the 1988 earthquake and until 2012. In June-November 2012 and partly in 2013, extensive reconstruction works have been done through the allocations of the Gyumri budget.

In Gyumri, Serzh Sargsyan visited also the Cross-stone Square located next to the Sourb Amenaprkich Church, where he was present at the Arts and Crafts Festival conducted on September 19-22 in the framework of the “Gyumri 2013: The CIS Cultural Capital” program. Later, at the Vardanants Square, he observed the first Art-Expo international exhibition. The President visited also the Sourb Amenaprkich Church and observed reconstruction works conducted there.

At the conclusion of his working visit to Shirak marz, the President held a meeting at the Gyumri City Hall, dedicated to the city’s development programs, accomplished works, including state sponsored housing program in the disaster zone, and existing problems. Underscoring that state assistance in the housing and other areas in Shirak marz, including Gyumri will continue, the President at the same time stressed the importance of the active work of the local authorities in the resolution of the existing problems and in the implementation of the development programs. The Head of Shirak marz administration Felix Tsolakian, Minister of Urban Development Samvel Tadevossian, and Mayor of Gyumri Samvel Balassanian made reports. The meeting was attended also by the National Assembly members representing Shirak marz, officials from the Presidential Administration, Shirak marz administration, and Gyumri City Hall. The President responded to the pertinent questions raised by the participants of the meeting and gave corresponding instructions.

President invited a meeting on the Sevan Lake related problems

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3683President Serzh Sargsyan invited today a meeting which was attended by the RA Prime Minister Tigran Sarkissian, Vice Prime Minister Armen Gevorkian, Minister of Nature Protection Aram Harutyunian, Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetian, Minister of Finance David Sarkissian, Minister of Economy Vahram Avanessian, governor of Gegharkunik marz Rafik Grigorian, Chairman of the Commission on the Sevan Lake issues Vladimir Movsissian and relevant officials from the Presidential Staff.

At the meeting, discussed were issues related to the restoration of the Lake’s endemic fish population and other Sevan related problems. Participants of the meeting discussed also the preliminary results of the Sevan endemic fish growing program at the net and cage farm on Sevan. Discussed were main provisions and directions of the comprehensive program related to the restoration of the Lake’s endemic fish population, as well as mechanisms for its implementation which will considerably improve the situation related to the augmentation and natural reproduction of the fish population of the Lake.

Along with the resolution of Sevan’s foremost problems, in the phase of program implementation the President stressed the importance of the creation numerous jobs and enhancement of the economic development in the context of the equal development of the region.

 

2013-09-03 / President Serzh Sargsyan met in Moscow with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin

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President Serzh Sargsyan, who is in the Russian Federation on a working visit met today in Moscow with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

Before the negotiations with his counterpart, President Serzh Sargsyan in his opening remarks first expressed gratitude to Vladimir Putin for the invitation and noted that that are many issues to be discussed. These issues can be talked over and decided upon for furthering the bilateral relation and, certainly, the integration processes.

“Relations between Armenia and Russia are based on the centuries-long traditions of friendship and brotherhood of our two nations. I am confident that these relations will continue to develop in the spirit of mutual understanding, in line with the Agreement on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. I am certain that each generation of the Armenians and citizens of the Russian Federation should bring their contribution to the history of these relations. We cherish these relations and we will do our best to develop them. It’s an absolute priority of us. Nevertheless, there are, of course, issues which should be solved in a manner which will elevate our relations to a new, higher level, and that’s the purpose of my visit to Moscow,” President Serzh Sargsyan said.

Welcoming his colleague to Moscow, the President of Russia V. Putin thanked President Sargsyan for accepting the invitation and for the visit. “This is your second visit in recent times. I am very glad that our relations are developing dynamically on almost every direction. Our parliaments, governments and business structures also maintain frequent contacts. Honestly, in this regard too, I hope the results are positive. The turnover in our economy has reached 23 percent. Russia remains Armenia’s number one trade partner, and that tendency continues,” the President of the Russian Federation said.

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