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30 Nov 2006
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Nov 30
With 173 in favor votes and 2 abstained, the Argentinean Parliament recognized the Armenian Genocide on November 29, 2006. Argentina is the second country of the South-American continent (first was Uruguay) to qualify the Armenian case of Genocide. The law authorizes the employees of public organizations of Armenian origin to have a day off on April 24 to assist and to take part in activities relating to the commemoration of the tragedy. It also establishes that pupils of Armenian origin of the primary and secondary public schools will be able to go away on this same date.
29 Nov 2006
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Nov 29
A Memorial Plaque, dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey in 1915 has opened in Rome. The Plaque is established with the assistance of Rome City Administration at the instance of the Armenian community of the Italian capital, indignant at establishing a monument to Kemal Ataturk. Talks over establishment of the Plaque were held by Head of the Italian Department of the Hay Dat European Office Aleko Pezikian, since July 2006.
The opening ceremony started in the yard of St. Nikoghos Church with anthems of Italy and Armenia, followed by a speech by Pezikian, who thanked the Rome Administration. He also noted that after the Italian Parliament adopted the resolution, recognizing the Armenian Genocide, the Rome Administration also passed a respective decision.
In his turn Armenian Ambassador to Italy Ruben Shugaryan noted that the memory on the Genocide does not have a statute of limitation, it is not a political question or that of return of lands. «It should become part of human history, which should be conveyed to generations,» Shugaryan noted. The Armenian Ambassador also hoped that Armenia will soon become part of the European community, reports the Azdak.
29 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 29, Armenpress: A theater in Chicago, USA, called Trap Door will stage on December 10 Richard Kalinoski's play "Beast on the Moon," written in 1992, which has as its protagonists two 1915 Armenian genocide survivors.
The play since received great acclaim and has been staged all over the world in regional and community theatres. Beast on the Moon is a two-act play which depicts the lives of two Armenian genocide survivors, beginning in 1921 when Aram Tomasian, the portrait photographer, is 21 and his picture bride, Seta, is an orphan of 15.
This is a beautiful human drama of loyalty to one's ancestors which drags with it the constant reliving of a traumatic past, this is a story of a young newly wed couple coming of age in America where hope and self reinvention are possible.
According to Illinois state's genocide education network, the play is being staged to encourage genocide teaching. Last August the Illinois State's Assembly adopted a decision on mandatory teaching of Armenian genocide at the state's schools. 28 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 28. ArmInfo.
The cooperation of Armenia and Iran in the sphere of culture is the best evidence of friendly relations between two ancient religions - Christianity and Islam, Advisor for Cultural Affairs of the Iranian Embassy in Armenia Reza Atufi said at the opening of the "Art of Isfahan" exhibition in the Yerevan Museum of Folk Art.
R.Atufi considers that any work of art which has reached us from ancient times can tell us about a nation's feelings, thoughts and ambitions. He was happy to note that due to this exhibition, Armenians will be able to gain better knowledge of works by Iranian world-famous masters.
To note, on January 1, 2006, Isfahan was acknowledged the cultural capital of the Islamic world in compliance with the decree of culture ministers of 57 Islamic countries and members of the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization.
28 Nov 2006
Bucharest, November 28, Noyan Tapan - Armenians Today.
A concert of Romanian radio national symphonic orchestra conducted by Art Director and Principal Conductor of Armenian Symphonic Orchestra, Eduard Topchian took place on November 24 at Bucharest Mihail Jora concert hall. The concert program included works by A.Khachatrian, W.A.Mozart, H.Berlioz.
The concert that was warmly met by the spectators and was broadcast by two channels of Romanian radio was organized by the Romanian Radio Broadcasts Corporation with the assistance of RA Embassy in Romania.
As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department, the concert was held on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of proclamation of the Republic of Armenia, within the framework of the events organized by RA Embassy in Romania. Within the framework of these events, Days of Armenian Films were organized on November 20-25 in Bucharest by RA Embassy jointly with the Union of Romanian Armenians and Romanian Cinema National Archives. 28 Nov 2006
Bucharest, November 28, Noyan Tapan - Armenians Today.
A concert of Romanian radio national symphonic orchestra conducted by Art Director and Principal Conductor of Armenian Symphonic Orchestra, Eduard Topchian took place on November 24 at Bucharest Mihail Jora concert hall. The concert program included works by A.Khachatrian, W.A.Mozart, H.Berlioz.
The concert that was warmly met by the spectators and was broadcast by two channels of Romanian radio was organized by the Romanian Radio Broadcasts Corporation with the assistance of RA Embassy in Romania.
As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department, the concert was held on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of proclamation of the Republic of Armenia, within the framework of the events organized by RA Embassy in Romania. Within the framework of these events, Days of Armenian Films were organized on November 20-25 in Bucharest by RA Embassy jointly with the Union of Romanian Armenians and Romanian Cinema National Archives. 27 Nov 2006
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Nov 27
The history of Kurdish, Pontus Greek, Chaldean and Armenian minorities in Turkey was discussed in a conference held in the Parisian suburb of Versailles. The conference was held as part of the Year of Armenia in France and attended by Pontus Greek historian Vassia Karkayannis-Karabelias, head of the Kurdish Institute of Paris Kendal Nezan, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Human Rights Raffi Kalfayan and President of the Chaldean Association of France Naman Adlun.
The French Chaldean community asserts Chaldeans were exterminated by Turkey and built a Chaldean genocide monument in Paris last year. The monument aroused surprise among Turkish diplomats in Paris, who have good relations with Chaldeans. Representatives from the Chaldean community were invited to this year’s Republic Holiday reception at the Turkish embassy in Paris as usual despite the genocide monument, reports zaman.com.
27 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 27. ArmInfo. One of the leading carnival schools of Brazil, under the initiative of the General Consulate of Armenia, will include Armenia in Brazil carnival scenario in February 2007.
Press service of Foreign Ministry reported ArmInfo that in the carnival, one of the cars will be dedicated to Armenia as a cradle of revival of humanity, pioneer of Christianity and one of the ancient civilizations of the world. The car will be 17 m long and 12 m wide. Models of Ararat Mountain, Noah's Arch and khachkars (stone cross) will be presented on it. In front of the models, the 3-metre golden Armenian State Emblem and 7-metre state flag will be placed.
Usually over a million of tourists partake in Brazilian carnivals. Celebrities also participate in the event.
27 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 27, Armenpress: A deputy Yerevan mayor Slava Avetisian said today the authorities plan to build a new station for the Yerevan Underground that will reach to a suburb on the northern outskirts of the city.
Speaking to reporters today the deputy mayor said though next year's government budget does not earmark money for resumption of construction of the station in Achapnyak district, money may come from the reserve fund of the government.
Avetisian said the construction of the new line is estimated to cost about $27 million. He said some $6 million worth work had been done already. The government subsidy for the Underground next year is 909 million Drams. 27 Nov 2006
"NOYAN TAPAN" Weekly, Nov 27
The airline Armavia on November 19 resumed the operation of regular
Yerevan-Teheran-Yerevan flights. NT correspondent was informed from the
company’s office that henceforth flights in this direction will be
implemented twice a week- on Wednesday and Sunday.
To recap, the Iranian company Caspian Airlines operates Tehran-
Yerevan flights.
According to Armavia’s office, the problem of aviation fuel has not yet
been solved at Zvartnots Airport, due to which some flights are not
operated regularly. In recent days planes are filled with 1 ton of fuel
for each flight from Zvartnots Airport, and Armavia’s planes are
refueled in Rostov(Russia).
There was information from Zvartnots Airport that on November 2 Mika
Limited- the aviation fuel importing company imported 2.5 thousand tons
of fuel instead of 10 thousand tons, while the 3 thousand tons to be
imported on November 15 have not been received so far.
27 Nov 2006
"NOYAN TAPAN" Weekly, Nov 27
The 10th anniversary of the Yerkramas newspaper of Armenians of Russia
was marked on November 15. 2006 with a festive concert in the south
Russia city of Krasnodar. The event was opened with speeches of official
guests who congratulated the newspaper’s editorial staff and its readers
on the occasion of the jubilee.
In connection with the jubilee, RA Minister of Education and Science
Levon Mkrtchian, RA Consul General to RF South Federal Okrug Ararat
Gomstian, President of Society of Friendship and Cooperation with RA
Viktor Krivoruchkov, Chairman of public movement For Self-Governance of
workers, President of Association of Russian-Armenian Business
Cooperation Levon Chakhmakhchian and others also addressed written
congratulations to the Yerkramas newspaper of Armenians of Russia.
27 Nov 2006
"NOYAN TAPAN" Weekly, Nov 27
A concert of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) and State
Academic Choir dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Armenian American
composer Alan Hovhannes took place on November 24 at the Yerevan Aram
Khachaturian concert hall. World-famous American pianist Martin
Berkofsky, Turkish pianist Atakan Sari, Chinese tenor Shi Shuan,
Armenian singers Seda Odabashian, Berj Karazian, etc. took part in the
concert the organizers of which are the APO and Alan Hovhannes
International Research center.
The first part of the concert was conducted by Ruben Asatrian. In the
second part the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and State Academic Choir
performed Magnificat for choir and 4 soloists conducted by outstanding
conductor Ohannes Tchekidjian. Magnificat is one of the traditional
genres of oratorical music. It is a praise song of St. Mary addressed to
God (the text from the Bible). Alan Hovhaness’ Magnificat is the first
work in this genre in Armenian music. The singing sounded powerfully and
mysteriously for the audience.
27 Nov 2006
"NOYAN TAPAN" Weekly, Nov 27
The models of works presented to the competition for selection of the
monument to be erected in Republic Square of Yerevan (at the site when
Lenin monument stood in the Soviet times) are being displayed at the
Union of Architects of Armenia at present. As Samvel Danielian, Yerevan
Chief Architect, said at the November 20 press conference, the citizens
can present their opinions and proposals about the models on the spot.
S. Danielian said that public discussions will be organized on the
basis of these proposals and opinions within the coming 20-25 days. In
the words of the Yerevan Principal Architect, many competitions were
held in late 1980-s and 90-s, but they did not manage to make a final
decision. “The works presented currently essentially differ from the
works presented previously in the ideological respect, but the monument
to be placed in the square has no ideological ground yet,” S. Danielian
emphasized.
27 Nov 2006
"NOYAN TAPAN" Weekly, Nov 27
The solemn opening ceremony of the exhibition entitled “Armenia from Sky” took place in the hall of the Council of Europe Ministers’
Committee, on November 16. As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and Information Department, the exhibition is dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the republic of Armenia and the 5th anniversary of the RA membership to the Council of Europe.
Ambassador Christian Der-Stepanian, the Permanent Representative of the RA to the CE made the opening speech of the solemn ceremony. Mrs. Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, the Director General of Culture and
Education made a speech on behalf of the Council of Europe Secretary
General.
High-ranking officials of the Council of Europe as well as EC member
states ambassadors, diplomats were present at the ceremony.
27 Nov 2006
"NOYAN TAPAN" Weekly, Nov 27
9 from 10 students representing Armenia at the international
competition of physicomathematical and natural sciences held on November 3-9 at the Moscow Institute for Open Education among high grades pupils
of the CIS countries got diplomas of different categories. And the
Armenian pupils got all the 3 diplomas of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd category, on
mathematics.
Bagrat Yesayan, the RA Deputy Minister of Education and Science
informed journalists about it at the November 22 press conference. In
his words, in this competition held already for the 3rd time, Armenia
fixed such a success for the first time, for what Artavazd Samian, the
delegation head, teacher of the A. Shahinian physico-mathematical
school, got a special letter of thanks.
24 Nov 2006
YEREVAN, November 24. /ARKA/.
Cultural and historical tourism is developing in Armenia, Armenian Deputy Trade Minister Ara Petrosyan said on Wednesday at a press conference.
He thinks Armenian tourism's niche in international market is cultural and historical tourism, which has room for development.
In his words, Armenia's museums, monuments, bio variety and cultural peculiarity lay favorable ground for tourism development here.
Petrosyan said 272 thousand foreign tourists traveled to Armenia between Jan-Sept 2006.
This number is 18% greater than that of the same period a year earlier.
In his words, 318563 foreigners visited Armenia in 2005. This number exceeded the 2004 result by 21.3%. 23 Nov 2006
PanARMENIAN.Net Nov 23
On November 23, 2006, Armenia Fund will air its 9th Annual International Telethon. This year’s telethon will highlight the organization’s 15 years of achievements as well as celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia. Since 1991, Armenia Fund has rendered more than $160 million in short term humanitarian aid as well as long term infrastructure development project. The organization was instrumental for urgently facilitating the critical energy needs of the fledgling Armenian republic in from 1991 – 1994. In addition to its relief aid, the organization has constructed major infrastructure that includes rural roads and highways, drinking water and irrigation networks, healthcare facilities, schools, and cultural and historical projects’ rehabilitation.
Proceeds from Telethon 2006 will benefit the war torn region of Hadrut in Nagorno Karabakh. Among various major projects, the plan calls for the reconstruction of a regional hospital, a series of new schools, new water pipelines and distribution networks, as well a comprehensive regional agricultural development program all designed to enhance the socio-economic standards of the region. The plan will draw parallels to the Martakert Regional Development plan, which is currently underway, after months of planning and fund collection.
22 Nov 2006
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Nov 22
A stamp dedicated to the Armenian Genocide was issued in France. According to Chian news agency, the stamp printed by a French philatelist is not sold in post offices. However people can buy one for 2.5 euros and use it when sending correspondence.
The agency also informs that a conference dedicated to mutual cooperation of national minorities in Turkey which were subjected to annihilation and robberies will be held in Versailles November 25. The conference will focus on the past and future of Armenians, Assyrians, Greeks and Kurds. Outstanding figures of national minorities and scientists will attend the conference, reports RFE/RL.
21 Nov 2006
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Nov 21
The Russian Association of Friendship and Cooperation with Armenia is taking part in the organization of the Year of Armenia in Russia, program titled “Moscow multinational: formation of civil solidarity, peace culture and consent” and other projects, the press service of the Russian Association of Friendship and Cooperation with Armenia told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
The Association jointly with the Petrovka, 38 foundation issued a book titled “Armenia, Armenia… Questions and answers about the country and people since ancient times up to present days” as a gift for the Moscow police. The book will help to make the friendship with the Armenian people stronger and more fruitful,” said Victor Krivopuskov, the Association President.
The book contains 201 answers to the questions Russian citizens may have when hearing about Armenia. Besides, it provides information about Armenian traditions, famous Armenian brandy and even anecdotes from the Armenian Radio. One chapter is dedicated to the Armenian-Russian relations.
The book comes appropriate in the atmosphere of dislike towards ‘aliens’ and frequent killings through national hatred.
20 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan Weekly, Nov 20
Armenia and 17 other countries, including Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey
and Russia signed an agreement in the city of Pusan (South Korea), by
which they envisage to create a branchy network of railways that will
join Asia and Europe. According to Radio Liberty, under this program
initiated in the UN as far back as the 1960s, and now called “Railway
Silk Road,” the railways will pass through 28 countries covering over 80
thousand kilometers.
The RA Deputy Minister of Transport and Communication Hrant Beglarian
told Associated Press that Armenia with its only railway exit to a
Georgian port hopes that implementation of the program will allow reducing the price of transported goods. “Any regional program related to
cooperation in the sphere of transport is very important for us,” the
deputy minister stated.
According to parliamentary calculations, new railways of a total of
6,500 km will be constructed, which will require about 2,5 billion USD.
20 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan Weekly, Nov 20
A cheese plant opened near the village of Kirants (Tavush marz) on
November 11th on the initiative of Heifer International (France). It has
the capacity of processing 30 tons of milk a month and producing 180 kg
of cheese a day. This modern plant will produce goat cheese, butter,
curd, sour milk and yoghurt.
According to a press release submitted to NT, since 1944, Heifer has
provided help to 7 million families in more than 125 countries and 38
states of the US. Since 1999, Heifer has implemented over 34 programs in
the South Caucasus, assisting more than 2 thousand families in Armenia,
Georgia and Azerbaijan to establish their own farms.
In November 2005, Heifer France transported 186 Alpine goats into
Armenia. The purpose of the program is to improve the socioeconomic
conditions of the population of 6 border villages of Ijevan region. Next
year these goats will be transferred to the Noyemberian and other
communities of Tavush marz.
20 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan Weekly, Nov 20
On November 11, OSCE Yerevan Office held a multi-purpose action in
Aragatsotn region. The territory of the Letters Park sculpture
composition near the village of Artashavan was cleared from rubbish by
volunteer students of Vanadzor Arhus Center and 15 organizations making
part of the Association of Compatriotic Unions. The composition created
by Artush Papoyan is an organic combination of Armenian architecture of
small forms and modern creative thinking. These are more than two-meter
letters (the whole Armenian alphabet) near the Yerevan-Vanadzor highway,
which are carved from pink tufa and decorated with ornament in the
national style. The park was founded as part of celebration of the
1600th anniversary of the Armenian alphabet in 2001.
“Our action is not rubbish disposal. We wish to draw attention of the
authorities to the condition of our monuments and to achieve their
protection by the state in accordance with the commitments assumed after
signing a number of respective international conventions,” Gohar
Ghazinian, senior assistant of OSCE Yerevan Office on issues of
economics and ecology, mentioned. In her words, the precondition for
holding the action was Yerevan OSCE Office’s Albanian colleagues’ visit
to the monument. They were delighted and surprised that such wonderful
creation of art is not protected by any one.
Richard Giragosian, NATO expert, well-known analyst from Washington,
gave a lecture on ecological law in the context of national security.
The action continued at the monastery complex of Saghmosavank, the
history of which dates to 13th century and is notable for special
attitude to the enlightenment role of the Armenian Church.
The action participants adopted an appeal to RA government with the
request to include the Letters Park composition into the state list of
immovable monuments for the purpose of its further protection.
20 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 20, ArmenPress: Chess World Cup winner, Armenian grandmaster Levon Aronian, came second after grandmaster Viswanathan Anand of India who banked on his vast reservoir of experience in rapid chess to win the Mikhail Tal Memorial Blitz tournament in Moscow.
Aronian scored 21 points, by two points less than Anand, out of a possible 34. The third place was shared by Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan and Peter Svidler of Russia, who scored 20.5 points each.
The event was played on a double round robin basis between 18 players over two days. The event had 11 players above 2700 ELO rating and none below the 2650 mark. 18 Nov 2006
Azg Daily, Nov 18
As of July 1, there are around 410 survivors of the Armenian Genocide. According to Rosa Mkrtchian, head of the Pension Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Issues, additional pension payment for those people will amount to 25.000 drams starting form January 1 2007.
Yesterday’s sitting of the RA National Assembly made an amendment to the government’s decision of 2004 according to which people born in West Armenia and other places of Ottoman Turkey before 1915 (inclusive 1915) will get additional payment of 25.000 instead of previous 5.000.
18 Nov 2006
Azg Daily, Nov 18
On November 15, the Independent Union of Arts Workers of Italy and "Tonino Guerra" Fund awarded Armenian Film director Rouben Gevorgiants with Federico Fellini and Tonono Guerra "Amarcord" Prize for his considerable contribution to the international cinematography. The award ceremony took place in Italian Penabili city. Tonino Guerra handed the prize to Gevorgiants himself. 17 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 17, Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today. According to latest data, a promise of 40 thousand dollars' donation was received during the phonethon held the other day in Argentina on the threshold of the annual telethon of the Hayastan All Armenian Fund. As Noyan Tapan correspondent was informed from the Fund's Public Relations Department, annual European phonethon started on November 16 in France. In total, 700 volunteers take part in the phonethon. During the European phonethon the volunteers will ring up not only French Armenians, but also representatives of Armenian communities in Germany, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium.
It was also mentioned that during the phonethon that started in Armenia on November 15 the Fund employees will telephone more than 1300 Armenian small, medium-sized and big enterprises until November 17 calling them for making a contribution to the Artsakh Revival program implemented by the Fund. It is noteworthy that the funds raised during the Telethon 2006 will be provided for implementation of the program's second stage, development of NKR Hadrut region. 17 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 17, Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today. The November 16 event organized at the Armenian Union of Writers was dedicated to the 150th anniversary of 28th U.S. President, Nobel prize-winner, Armenia's great friend Woodrow Wilson. In the words of Levon Ananian, Chairman of the Armenian Union of Writers, the Armenian people has always highly estimated W.Wilson's activity for the sake of Armenian people and numbers him among such friends of Armenia as Anatole Franz, Fridtjof Nansen, Johann Lepsius, Franz Werfel and other great people.
In 1920 W.Wilson made decision On Delimitation Between Turkey and Armenia, Armenia's Outlet to the Sea and Demilitarization of Turkish Territories Adjacent to Armenian Borders having a historic significance. According to the decision, Wilson completed and ratified Articles 88-89 of the Treaty of Sevres giving them an international-legal final form.
In the words of Rafael Hambartsumian, Chairman of Board of the Azgayin Miasnutian Ukht Party, the Treaty of Sevres signed on 1920 August 10 is considered a document that has preserved its international legal significance up to present. But, according to the Party Chairman, it is more than 80 years the Treaty of Sevres is presented wrongly in the History of Armenian People textbooks. Six out of 480 points of the treaty concern Armenia, but none of this points has been fulfilled, while ten states achieved independence by this treaty. "The main reason of Armenians' failure was the policy carried on by the Bolshevik Russia, as it had contacts with Turkey and would not permit Armenia to have an integral territory," R.Hambartsumian said. In his words, the treaty also envisaged to create a large Armenian community in Turkey, which, however, was not realized. In R.Hambartsumian's words, a number of measures and mechanisms should be worked out today for using the treaty.
For perpetuating the name of Armenian people's friend W.Wilson the Azagayin Miasnutian Ukht Party members proposed naming streets, schools after him in Yerevan and in the regions, erecting a monument to Wilson in Yerevan, releasing stamps dedicated to his 150th anniversary, as well as holding Wislon Days in Armenia and Diaspora. 17 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 17. ArmInfo.
Armavia airline will make flight Yerevan-Minsk- Yerevan once in a week on Thursdays from now and on.
The ticket costs $240. The owner of Armavia airline, Mikhail Baghdasarov, thanked Belavia airline for cooperation in organization of the flights within unprecedented short terms. In its turn, Belavia has announced an intention to start regular flights to Armenia for a lower price. In this connection, M. Baghdasarov said that it would be right if the ticket cost is convenient to passengers. He thinks it unethical reducing the ticket price as soon as the flight is organized. To note, the flight is part of the economic cooperation of Armenia and Belarus.
17 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 17. ArmInfo.
Armavia airline intends to open a flight Yerevan-Tbilisi-Yerevan in November 2006, Armavia owner Mikhail Baghdasarov told journalists.
He said that the flights will be necessary for the trafficability roads will become difficult in winter. In addition, M. Baghdasarov said that an agreement has been reached on organization of a flight to the USA. At present, negotiations are underway for opening of Yerevan-New York-Los Angeles or Yerevan-Amsterdam-Los Angeles flight. He noted that Armavia airline flies in 21 directions and works on extension of geography of flights.
16 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 16, Noyan Tapan.
The Armenian national football team in the return game was defeated by the Finnish team with the score of 0 to 1 in the qualifying tour group tournament of Euro 2008 on November 15 in the capital of Finland Helsinki.
The Armenian national team took 7th place with one point in the first sub-group.
This was the Armenian national team's last game this year. The Armenian football players will hold other matches of the qualifying tour in 2007. 15 Nov 2006
Los Angeles, CA Armenia Fund United States Western Region is pleased to announce that its Canadian affiliate of Toronto Armenia Fund Canada along with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom, Baroness Caroline Cox recently opened a new village school in Madaghis, Martakert, NKR. The school is part of the ongoing regional development program of Martakert - a target project of Telethon 2005. The school is built for 150 students, has 11 classrooms, a computer room, a new office for the principal, a teachers office, a medical room, a library and a function hall. The new school proudly bears the flags of Nagorno Karabakh and Canada .
Present at the September 27th ribbon cutting ceremony were officials from the Nagorno Karabakh Republic , representatives of Armenia Fund International, Armenia Fund Canada Toronto affiliate as well as a group of Canadian-Armenians from Toronto . Migirdich Migirdichian, Chairman of Armenia Fund Canada ( Toronto ) spoke during the special opening ceremony. He stressed the importance of rebuilding the war torn region through the collective efforts of Diaspora Armenians. Joining Migirdichian was Baroness Cox of the United Kingdom . Lady Cox gave a very moving speech and congratulated the villagers and the students alike for this great occasion. The honor of cutting the ribbon was given to Baroness Cox who was accompanied by two first grade students. Nora Kasparian, Principal of the school, warmly thanked Baroness Cox and Armenia Fund Canada chairman Migirdichian for their endless efforts in realizing their dreams of having a local school.
Baroness Cox reiterated her firm support of Armenia Fund and its mission to help rebuild Nagorno Karabakh. Dubbed as the Guardian Angel of Arstakh, Baroness Cox has been an adamant supporter of Nagorno Karabakh both in the United Kingdom and internationally, calling for the full and proper recognition of Nagorno Karabakh, as well support for its redevelopment. Baroness Cox has visited Nagorno Karabakh more than 62 times and has led several humanitarian missions to the fledgling republic.
Armenia Fund has two affiliates in Canada in Toronto and Montreal . Over the past fifteen years, the greater Armenian Diaspora of Canada has actively participated in the rebuilding efforts of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Since 1991, Armenia Fund has rendered more than $160 million in development aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S. Western Region affiliate of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. Tax ID# 95-4485698
14 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan, Nov 14
Sil Concern on November 7 delivered for operation the first building of the Rossia Trade and Cultural Center. The center has trade halls and a café. Thus, the first stage of reconstruction of the Ayrarat Cinema in downtown Yerevan and the adjacent area was competed. During the opening ceremony, the RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian said that the experience of the Sukiasian – the concern’s owners are worth copying. In his words, those engaged in big business also create favorable conditions for small and medium business development in Armenia.
According to him, there are modern forms of conducting trade, and the future of fairs id such trade halls. At the same time he underlined: “I do not propose closing the fairs”.
Chairman of Sil Concern Khachatur Sukiasian stated that a trade and cultural center in line with international standards will be built at the 60 thousand square meter area adjacent to the Ayrarat Cinema in the next 5 years. The International Financial Corporation provided a 5.2 million-dollar long term credit for the constriction work. Over 30 million dollars will be spent on the whole program. The program envisages constructing an 8-story building, a cinema, a playground, etc.
14 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan Weekly, Nov 14
Official opening ceremony of the 7th exhibition of Iranian production organized by Iran-Armenia Chamber of Commerce took place on November 4 in Yerevan. Twenty-two Iranian companies take part in the week-long exhibition presenting building materials and urban constriction equipment items.
Levon Aharonian, Chairman of Iran-Armenia Chamber of Commerce, said that about 100 businessmen-members of the Chamber spare no efforts for developing Armenian-Iranian economic relation registering success.
In the words of Arlireza Haghighian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Armenia, the two countries state bodies.
In the word of Armen Movsisian, RA Minister of Energy, Co-chairman of Armenian-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission, Armenian-Iranian relation are “in the center of attention of the two countries leaders and they advance for even more in the recent years. He said that necessary legal-contractual field is created for the development of the Armenian-Iranian economic relation. As A.Movsisian is affirmed, the number of exhibitions of the Armenian and Iranian production will increase in the two countries.
Martin Sargsian, Chairman of RA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in his turn, said that the exhibition is “appropriate and well timed,” as quickly grown constriction sphere in Armenia require involvement of new materials, technologies and capacities. He attached importance to close cooperation between RA Chamber of Commerce and Industry and similar Iranian structures, which contributes to extension of number and geography of exhibition in the two countries.
14 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan Weekly, Nov 14
The Armenian Philharmonic orchestra (APO) for the first time
participated in the annual authoritative festivals of classic music held
in September and October in Germany, Slovakia ad Czech Republic. As APO
Director Ruzan Sirunian stated at the November 7 press conference, the
orchestra concerts were held brilliantly and enjoyed the spectators’
warm reception. During the festivals the orchestra performed Aram
Khachaturian’s Concert for Violin, pieces from the Spartak ballet,
Tchaikovsky’s “Pathetic” Symphony No 6, Shostakovich’s Symphony No 6 and
other works.
R. Sirunian mentioned that after the successes having had in Germany,
the APO was involved in the Meistersingerhallen concert season of
Nurenberg, and the Bratislava and Prague festivals organizations
proposed the APO to cooperate in future as well and to be continuously
involved in their festival programs. “We have high-quality orchestra,
but it is very difficult to perform with orchestras like the BBC, Czech
philharmonic orchestras. But, performances of our orchestra were
received with “bravos” and “encores”. We again proved the world that the
APO has high professional readiness and may perform in any country where
they like and estimate classic music” R. Sirunian mentioned.
It also became known that after the concerts in the Czech Republic and
Slovakia, the quartet will leave for Moscow to take part in the jubilee
concert dedicated to Arno Babajanian’s 85th anniversary. Conductor
Konstantin Orbelian will head the concert at the Music House hall of
Moscow on November 28. The Armenian and Russian pop singers will also
participate in the concert.
14 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan Weekly, Nov 14
“During wars women expose themselves to great dangers connected with
defense, sexual assault and injuries, they lose their relatives, suffer
from the lack of means for existence, leave their houses.” Yves Arnoldy,
the head of the Red Cross Committee Armenian delegation said at the
November 9 opening of the exhibition entitled “Women and War.”
About 50 works of famous photographers are presented at the exhibition
opened in Yerevan. They picture women from different parts of the world
suffered from wars and conflicts. Those photos were presented in Geneva,
Paris, Beirut, Budapest, Baku, Moscow and a number of other cities.
Photos of women survived the Nagorno Karabakh war is presented at the
Yerevan exhibition.
The Georgian woman pictured in one of the photos had to leave her house
and at present survives getting means for existence in a dump. In
another picture the Bosnian women pray at the monument dedicated to
their relatives lost traceless. The women of Iraq and other nations lost
their husbands in the consequence of the war are also presented. They
have to do a man’s work, to chop wood as well as to carry bags of coal
to sell in the market.
As Yves Arnoldy mentioned, women, however, are not only suffered ones
during war. They also take up arms, defend their families, actively
participate in policy, found public organizations.
11 Nov 2006
Azg Daily, Nov 11
In the course of yesterday’ government sitting, RA Government adopted the decision to hand the plenipotentiaries of managing the shares of HayPost company to the state property management committee. Earlier, RA Transport and Communication Ministry carried out the management of HayPost shares. The decision was directed to secure the effective functioning of the company.
According to another government decision, HayPost was freed of paying profit tax since January 1st, 2006.
10 Nov 2006
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Nov 10
In 2007 the number of tourists visiting Armenia will exceed 500 thousand, Armenian President Robert Kocharian told reporters yesterday during the opening ceremony of Multy Rest House hotel complex in Tsaghkadzor. President Kocharian remarked that the “development of tourism is impossible if proper attention is not paid to the ecology issues.” “No tourist will come to have a rest in unattractive conveniences,” the President said adding that the ecological state of Tsaghkadzor has considerably improved.
According to the Armenian Statistical Service in January-September of 2006 over 270 thousand tourists visited Armenia. As compared to 2005 the number of tourists increased with 18.3%, reports newsarmenia.ru 10 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 6, Armenpress:
U.S. composer Laura Kaminsky, Armenian composer-pianist Artur Avanesov, and Armenian pianist Margarit Sargsyan are presenting three concerts in Armenia in cooperation with Komitas State Conservatory of Music.
The U.S. Embassy in Armenia said in a press release this celebration of contemporary American and Armenian music is supported by a grant from CEC ArtsLink. The first concert will be held at Naregatsi Art Institute on November 6, and the second two will be held at Komitas Chamber Music Hall on November 7 and 8.
Laura Kaminsky has a longstanding connection to Armenia dating back to 1996 when she worked with two talented young Armenian musicians in Poland and throughout central Europe. In 2002, Ms. Kaminsky visited Yerevan for the first time to perform a concert at the invitation of the Society of Composers and Musicologists. Ms. Kaminsky's relationship with Armenian composers endured, and led to her organizing this November's concert series with her Armenian colleagues.
Laura Kaminsky is Dean of the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College. Previously, she served as Chair of the Department of Music at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington.
She is also a co-founder and Artistic Director of Musicians Accord, a new music collective based in New York and dedicated to 20th and 21st century chamber music. Composer Laura Kaminsky's works have been performed throughout the United States and abroad, including in Eastern Europe, Latin America, and West Africa.
10 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 10, Armenpress: Tourism Information Center in Armenia's most famous resort town of Dilijan will open on November 14. The center's development has been supported by USAID CAPS, in close collaboration with the Dilijan Mayor's Office and the Dilijan Tourism Association (DTA). The ceremony will be followed by a quick tour of the Dilijan improvements.
The establishment of the Tourism Information Center is a major step in implementation of the Dilijan Pilot Project launched by CAPS, as part of USAID Armenia's tourism cluster strengthening and competitiveness program. In March 2006, the Dilijan Pilot Project began as a pilot site for the CAPS tourism development project. Since then CAPS has trained local tourism service providers to improve Dilijan as a tourism destination.
The friendly, multilingual staff of the Information Center will provide high quality customer service to local and foreign visitors on accommodation, attractions, and other tourist information in order to make their stay in Dilijan more enjoyable.
To provide an experience to the tourists during their stay in Dilijan and to support the sustainability of the center, a new bicycle rental enterprise will operate in Dilijan allowing visitors to use the newly marked bike path. The Information Center will also offer internet access to visitors for a small charge.
By actively engaging local communities in a commonly beneficial project, CAPS aims to achieve sustainable, cluster-based (the tourism cluster includes hotels, restaurants, tour operators, local government and business associations - all stakeholders) economic growth through communicating the value of cluster competitiveness. The Dilijan Pilot Project can become a model for other cities to use in implementing low-cost, high-impact local tourism development programs to benefit all stakeholders. 07 Nov 2006
Yerevan, November 7, Armenpress:
Prime minister Margarian was present at the inauguration of a new trade and cultural complex in downtown Yerevan erected near a cinema that was called under the Soviets Rossiya (Russia in Russian) and was later renamed Ayrarat.
Incidentally, the new trade and culture center is called Rossiya. It was erected by SIL Concern that had received a $5.2 million credit from the International Financial Corporation (IFC). The construction of the first wing of the center cost $12 million.
The entire project is estimated at $30 million and is supposed to be finished in five years. Traders selling their goods in Ayrarat cinema house that has been turned into a fair will move to the new center when it is completely built.
The SIL is set to launch construction of an 8-storied complex next week. Four floors will be given to traders and the other four will be offered as office space. 07 Nov 2006
YEREVAN, November 7. Armenian Hotel Association has been established in 2006 by an initiative group of hotels and with support of the USAID CAPS project.
The following are the members of the Armenian Hotel Association:
Aviatrans (and Hrazdan) hotel
Congress Hotel
Europe Hotel
Golden Tulip Hotel
Marriott Armenia Hotel
Tufenkian Hospitality
Terjan Hotel
Writers House of Tsakhkadzor
As of today Armenian Hotel Association in cooperation with the USAID CAPS and AED projects has organized and conducted training programs for the staff and management of the hotels. The trainers were high-end specialists from different countries. Several meetings have been organized with the tax field specialists and consultants.
In September, 2006, Armenian Hotel Association has been represented at the Armenia-Diaspora Conference and participated in tourism round table within the framework of the business forum of the Conference.
New hotels have already joined the Association – Ani Plaza is our new member. Armenian Hotel Association encourages all Armenian hotels to join the Association and to work actively to promote Armenian hotels and for the benefit of efficient development of tourism in Armenia.
Armenian Hotel Association invites for cooperation all those companies, the activities of which are connected to hotels and hotel operation.
Armenian Hotel Association is planning to continue conducting training programs, provide specialists and consultancy to help solve all and any specific individual hotel problems, as well as contribute to the effective development of hotel sector. The Association will work with its members, specialists, Government and with the Parliament to create more favorable legal, tax and customs environment for the benefit of one of the most important components of the tourism industry – for the hotels.
06 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan Weekly, Sep 6
RA President Robert Kocharian arrived in Moscow on a working visit on
October 30. On the same day, he had tete-a-tete talk with RF President
Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.
According to the report submitted to NT from RA President’s visit to
Russia expressed satisfaction with the fact that the bilateral relations
periodically continue at the highest level and depth. He touched upon
the extension of the Armenian-Russian economic cooperation in the recent
period emphasizing that only in the eight months of this year the volume
of mutual trade amounted to 278 mln dollars, which exceeds the index of
the same period of the previous year by 60%. Nevertheless, he considered
as “shameful” fact that Russia takes the third place in the Armenian
economy by the volume of investments. “ We are in the shameful third
place, as it is strange that Russia does not take the first place in the
economy of its strategic partner on the line of investments,” RF
President said. Meanwhile, he attached importance to the circumstance
that the Russian investments in Armenia have a tendency of growing.
Robert Kocharian, in his turn, said that all agreements with Gazprom on
energy projects start to be implemented. “ So, the investment component
will essentially change next year,” he said. As an excellent example of
bilateral cooperation RA President mentioned the launching of ArmenAl
that has been modernized lately and has increased the production volumes
for several times.
At the meeting V. Putin also touched upon Year of Armenia in Russia
mentioning that it proceeds very well and is the natural continuation of
Year of Russia in Armenia.
Robert Kocharian and Vladimir Putin spoke also aboput the coordination
of the efforts directed toward the improvement of the situation in the
Caucasus region, need to reveal the potential for multilateral
cooperation, prevention of new conflicts and, particularly, of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict.
06 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan Weekly, Sep 6
Robert Aghasarian from Yerevan achieved a big success in the World Youth Championship(in the age group up to 12) which was held in the city of Batumi, Georgia. Not being defeated in 11 games and gaining 9 points, he received the title of the World champion. In the competition among up to 18 age chess players Hrant Melkumian, 2nd year student of the Yerevan Institute of Physical Culture, won the silver medal.
06 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan Weekly, Sep 6
At the 7th sitting of the Armenia-European Union Cooperation Committee held in Brussels on October 25, the Armenian side raise the issue of inappropriate complication of giving citizens of Armenia entrance visas to the Schengen agreement countries. Karen Chshmaritian, the RA Minister of the Trade and Economy Development, the Co-Chairman of the RA-EU Cooperation Committee stated about it at the October 31 press conference. In his words, giving of entrance visas to the mentioned countries is implemented with inappropriate delays, even in the case of RA state servicemen leaving for Schengen agreement countries in the staff of state delegations.
K. Chshmaritian assured that the European side expressed readiness to
give urgent solution to the issue. In his words, issues of clarifying
procedures of giving entrance visas were involved in the RA-EU joint
Actions Plan within the framework of the European Neighbourhood
Policy. “ The reality is not combined with the policy which is today led
between Armenia and European Union,” the Minister mentioned. He added that the development of relations among countries, especially, deepening of business and economic ties, is attached importance within the context of the Actions Plan, and it is simply not possible without clarifying the procedures on gicing entrance visas.
06 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan Weekly, Sep 6
On the initiative of the Armenian National Educational and Cultural
Union, Armenian Canadian photographer Galust Papian’s individual
exhibition entitled “Meeting Place Armenia” opened on November 2 at the
gallery of the Yerevan Art Academy. More than seven dozens of photos are
presented in three, “Parajanov’s Series,” “Armenia” and “Dear Faces”
departments.
In words of union director Lilit Galstian, G. Papian’s photos were
exhibited in different countries of the world, except Armenia. Whereas,
the most part of the photos were taken in 1980s when G. Papian first
visited the Fatherland. “G. Papian photographer’s lens extorted
wonderful portraits in the vortex of time, fixing a great number of
artists: from Asatur Pztikian to Hrant Matevosian, from Charles Aznavour
to Atom Egoyan,” L. Galstian said.
In G. Papian’s words, “he presents through the photos those people to
the younger generation who have already been perpetuated with their
work.” He also mentioned that the population of Armenia knows artists
living in different colonies of Diaspora a little. But, in the
photographer’s words, one must not forget that the mother tongue and
culture are kept in Diaspora owing to those people.
06 Nov 2006
Noyan Tapan Weekly, Sep 6
More than 3 dozens of works of 8-18 years old pupils of the photo-
journalists’ studio of the Manana children’s educational-cultural center
opened at the exhibition opened on November 3. It is entitled “Ones, at
some time.” As Ruzanna Baghdasarian, the center director mentioned,
every photo is a start of a history which starts with those words. In
her words, the photo journalists’ studio of the center, which was
founded in 2003, managed to win recognition both in Armenia and
abroad. “Works of the studio pupils are periodically published in the
republican and international press,” the center director said.
Manana was founded in 1995. Journalism, cinematography, web-design,
animation, publishing design and other studios function at present in
the center. The center is a member of the European Youth Press
international association, International center of Films for Children
and Young People (CIFEJ).
04 Nov 2006
On November 6-9 the Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA), in cooperation with Armenia Travel +M, Discover Armenia Tours (operated by Tatian’s Travel), Princess Maneh Tours, Nueva Vista and Unona Tours will represent ARMENIA at the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) 2006 held in London, England. ATDA is representing Armenia at the WTM for the 6th consecutive time.
Armenia’s participation at WTM 2006 was made possible with the invaluable technical assistance provided by the Competitive Armenian Private Sector (CAPS) through funds provided by USAID which enabled Armenia’s travel industry to maintain its presence at this vital exhibition.
The WTM London is a business to business tourism exhibition offering the Armenian tourism industry representatives a unique opportunity to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business with their peers from around the world. There will be over 50,000 participants in attendance representing over 200 countries. This event will also provide the Armenian tourism industry inroads to the latest developments in technology and techniques related to the industry.
By attending the World Travel Market, participants will efficiently and productively gain immediate competitive advantage from unrivaled opportunities to reach key targets for travel promotion, to negotiate beneficial contracts, source new products and services and stay abreast with the latest developments in the travel industry.
The WTM London will be an excellent opportunity to market Armenia to tourism industry representatives from around the world and craft Armenia into a true tourist destination. This exhibition will enable Armenia to showcase itself as a tourist destination for all seasons and to highlight the historical and cultural treasures that Armenia has to offer. Press packages and informational materials will illustrate the rich arts, architecture and religious monuments that exist in Armenia.
With the participation in the exhibition, ATDA will conclude its world tourism exhibitions for the year of 2006, having efficiently represented Armenia at Vakantiebeurs in Utrecht, Netherlands; BIT in Milan, Italy; ITB in Berlin, Germany; CTF in Tbilisi, Georgia and JATA in Tokyo, Japan.
For further information about the WTM 2006 London or other industry exhibitions and events please visit us at 3 Nalbandian Street in Yerevan or call us at +374 10 542 303 or 542 306.
04 Nov 2006
Azg Daily, Nov 04
Armenian cultural associations of Aleppo celebrated the 130th anniversary of Hrachya Atcharian a few days ago. Among participants who held speeches were Bishop Shahan Sargsian, head of the Armenian diocese in Beria, Archbishop Petros Miriatian, head of the Armenian Catholic community, Harutyun Selimian, head of the Armenian Evangelical community, Levon Sharoyan and others. They presented the great linguist’s contribution at large and recalled his human qualities. 04 Nov 2006
Azg Daily, Oct 04
The exhibition entitled "Armenia Is Place of A Meeting" opened at Boyajian art gallery of the Yerevan State Fine Arts Academy. The exhibition includes the works by Canadian photographer Galust Papian. The National Wide Armenian Educational and Cultural Union initiated the arrangement. The photographer represented his 70 works made in the course of the last 25 years. The exhibition mainly includes the portraits of famous Armenian artists.
01 Nov 2006
/ARMENIANOW/NOV 1/
A tour in Karabakh begins with the “grandma and the grandpa” sculpture located on the slope of the hill, the visit card of Karabakh. The Ghazanchetsots Church in Shushi, Gandzasar, Dadivank monasteries, the Kachaghakaberd (a first century fortres., believed to be a Christian monument, although Christianity was adopted as a state religion in 301 A.D.) and the Sarsang reservoir are just a few sites that serve up the beauty of Karabakh (referred to by its ancient name, Artsakh, by many). And the rich nature of the locale seems even more beautiful as the hospitable people in this place welcome the visitors with warmth in their smiling eyes.
Natural beauty is NKR’s most marketable attraction
“It’s different in the place where we live – everybody cares for himself: but here people open their doors, treat the guests and surround them with such a hearty warmth that the feeling of being a foreigner disappears very quickly,” says Joyce Satyan, 68, an Australian of Armenian descent.
Located on the eastern and south-eastern mountainous and the pre-mountainous part of the Small Caucasus range, Artsakh, some 340 kilometers from Yerevan, stretches from Lake Sevan basin to River Arax.
Kararbakh has a history of more than 100,000 years (Azokh cave and the jawbone of a pre-human found in the cave date back to 300,000 years), witnessed by numerous material evidences.
Comprised of Martakert, Askeran, Martuni, Hadrut, Shushi, Kashatagh and Shahumyan regions, the 12,000 square kilometers of Artsakh are populated with about 150,000 people.
Outside countries know Karabakh because of the war with Azerbaijan. But more, too, are coming to know her through tourism.
Armo Tsaturyan, NKR Minister for Territorial Management and Infrastructure Development, says: “The tourists’ interest has been growing since 2000 as the political situation in Artsakh settled and the atmosphere of threat disappeared. After all, tourism is money and people don’t travel with empty pockets: tourism may turn decisive for the development of a small beautiful country like this.”
The Artsakh development agency acting under the Ministry says 4,000 tourists visited Artsakh in 2005. Until now the number of visitors to Artsakh in 2006 has been 4,600. The representatives of the agency say the annual growth of the visits makes 20 percent. The growth is mainly facilitated by the development of infrastructures. The agency also contributes to the latter, offering loans to small and medium enterprises.
The agency is mainly engaged in tourism information. It prepares booklets about the history of NKR that serve as a guide for foreigners. The guide will soon have also an electronic version.
“The agency cooperates with Armenia Tourism Development Agency (ATDA). We try to bring the visitors of Armenia to Karabakh. It is too soon yet to work with foreign countries directly to attract foreigners also to Karabakh,” says Armen Avagyan, the director of the agency. “There are still too many shortcomings in this country that need to be improved: the quality of services is still low, we drastically lack places of entertainment and the tour operators are quite passive.”
When speaking of the shortcomings Minister Tsaturyan points out mainly the problem of the roads.
“The roads are the first precondition for tourism development: there are monasteries in the Hadrut region where you need a whole day to get to because of the damaged roads. Still, the roads have been noticeably improved during the last several years: the North-South motorway alone has largely facilitated to the development of tourism. It takes now some 4 hours to get from Yerevan to Stepanakert instead of the former 8-9 hours,” adds Tsaturyan.
The 169-kilometer Hadrut-Stepanakert-Askeran-Martakert motorway, the locals say is the skeleton of Karabakh. $25 million donated during the Hayastan All-Armenian Foundation telethons have been allotted for the construction of the road. At the moment 100 kilometers are already operating.
The hotel construction business has also gained a new momentum. There are 8 hotels in Stepanakert, the capital of the republic, alone. 5 or 6 more hotels will operate in the future.
“Hotel construction has quite developed especially in Stepanakert. A hotel financed by benefactor Levon Hayrapetyan has been built also on the bank of the river Khachen in the village of Vank. At the moment there is one operating hotel in Shushi. Another one is planned for construction in Hadrut,” says Tsaturyan. “Hotel construction is an indicator of the existing demand. And the demand is mainly provided by the visiting Diaspora Armenians. The available hotels do not suffice on holidays.”
Australian Armenian Hakob Abolakian, shareholder and director at the hotel “Nairi” also confirms the seasonal overload of the hotels.
“It was not the case in former times. Sometimes rooms are full for months and we have to look for apartments for rent to accommodate the visitors to Artsakh,” says Abolakian, adding “Nairi” hotel alone has had 5,000 visitors this year.
Shakeh Hakobyan, representative of the Australian “Travel Café” tour agency also confirms the developments in the business. Hakobyan opened her office three years ago to organize tourist visits to Armenia and Karabakh.
“We bring some 300-400 tourists to Armenia each year and 100-150 of them visit Artsakh without fail. The visitors are mainly Diaspora Armenians, but there are also foreigners who visit Karabakh because of the interest they have,” mentions Hakobyan. “Of course, there are shortcomings in the services here, but the views of the locale enchant the visitors so much that some of them even think of settling in either Armenia or Karabakh.”
For Noyemi Balanjyan, 70, a Diaspora Armenian, seeing Karabakh has been “an old dream”.
“The changes in Artsakh in the recent years are noticeable in all spheres. The roads have improved; the discipline and the cleanness are evident. There are people who do not believe in this, but I’m frank in saying I would not hesitate even a minute and would come to the fatherland to live the rest of my life here if any of my daughters agreed to move here with me,” Noyemi says.
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