From Armenia in brief

Armenia’s prime minister becomes member of ruling Republican Party

Published: Saturday November 21, 2009

Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian has joined the Republican Party of Armenia, the party spokesperson announced. The party holds the presidency of Armenia and a majority in the National Assembly.

State authority to conduct study to prevent rise of prices

Published: Friday November 20, 2009

Armenia's State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition will conduct a special study to prevent the possible rise in market prices of petrol, diesel fuel, drugs, natural oil, butter, eggs, and sugar for the upcoming holidays, Armenpress reported. Each year, residents complain that prices for these basic goods are artificially raised during the holiday season. The goods are imported by large companies.

15 infected with “swine flu” in Armenia; Tamiflu prices not to rise

Published: Friday November 20, 2009

The number of people infected with the H1N1 virus (swine flu) has reached 15 in Armenia. Roche pharmaceuticals said prices of Tamiflu will not rise.

Billboards for “Buy Armenian” campaign cause controversy

Published: Friday November 20, 2009

The Armenian government, the Yerevan Brandy Company, and the Millennium Challenge Account - Armenia (MCA) Foundation have teamed up to start a "Buy Armenian" campaign across the country. The campaign material included a map that has caused controversy.

Poverty increases in Armenia because of global economic crisis

Published: Friday November 20, 2009

World Bank surveys show that the poverty rate in Armenia increased from 25.6 percent in 2008 (second quarter) to 28.4 percent in 2009 (second quarter). In real numbers, this means that in Armenia, the numbers of poor has increased by 90,000 people.

Perception of corruption in Armenia continues to rise

Published: Friday November 20, 2009

According to Transparency International's latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of 180 nations, Armenia was in the 120th position, along with Bolivia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Vietnam.

Tenth anniversary of October 27 assassinations commemorated

Published: Saturday October 31, 2009

On October 27 a monument was erected in the courtyard of Armenia's National Assembly to honor the victims of the assassinations of ten years earlier.

Dalma Garden Mall to open in Armenia

Published: Saturday October 31, 2009

The scale model of one of the largest retail and entertainment centers in Armenia, the Dalma Garden Mall, was presented this week in Yerevan. The three-story shopping center is to open in 2010.

Armenia and the United Nations Human Development Report 2009

Published: Saturday October 31, 2009

A U.N. report presented in Yerevan on October 27 suggested that human development improved in Armenia in 2008 thanks to an increase in per capita gross domestic product; however emigration has continued apace.

Armenia’s soccer team beats Belgium on home turf

Published: Sunday September 13, 2009

In a World Cup qualifier match, Armenia's national soccer team beat Belgium 2-1. It was Armenia's first victory since beating Poland 1-0 in a Euro 2008 qualifier in June, 2007.

AUA’s TechSquad, with their program Greendose, to represent Armenia at 2009 Imagine Cup

Published: Saturday June 27, 2009

The American University of Armenia's team, TechSquad, will represent Armenia at the 2009 Imagine Cup, which will take place July 3–7 in Cairo.

Bridge Artsakh economic forum takes place in Stepanakert

Published: Saturday June 27, 2009

At a conference on economic cooperation with Karabakh, Armenia's prime minister expressed regret that more than 90 percent of Armenia's population has never visited NKR.

Coming in 2011: 500 years of Armenian printing

Published: Saturday June 27, 2009

A state committee to coordinate the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of Armenian printing in 2011 has been set up. Chairing the committee is none other than Armenia's President Serge Sargsian.

First group of young Armenians to arrive for Diaspora Ministry’s Come Home program

Published: Saturday June 27, 2009

Almost 100 youth will be taking part in the first-ever Come Home (Ari Tun) program of Armenia's Diaspora Ministry. The participants of the program will be staying with host families in Yerevan and neighboring regions.

Armenian students to take part in biology Olympiad in Japan for the first time ever

Published: Saturday June 27, 2009

Four Armenian schoolchildren will be taking part in the international biology Olympiad in Japan for the first time ever. The Olympiad will take place mid-July.

IMF approves increase of financial support to Armenia to $822.7 million

Published: Saturday June 27, 2009

The International Monetary Fund approved an increase in the IMF's financial support of Armenia to $822.7 million.

Armenian judoists at the European Championship

Published: Saturday June 27, 2009

The Armenian Judo Youth Team will be participating in the European Judo Championships which are being held in the town of Koper in Slovenia, June 26–28.

Armenian cyclists to participate in European Olympic days

Published: Saturday June 27, 2009

Armenian cyclists Mher Mkrtchyan and Varsham Darbinyan will compete in cycling at the European Olympic Days in Helsinki.

Armenia-U.S. Open Skies Agreement comes into force

Published: Saturday June 27, 2009

The U.S.-Armenia Open Skies agreement entered into force on June 16, 2009, following an exchange of diplomatic notes between the two countries. Open Skies will expand and liberalize bilateral civil aviation relations between the United States and Armenia.

Prime minister limits vacations for top officials

Published: Saturday June 20, 2009

Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian has instructed ministers to take only short vacations and to take their vacations in Armenia.

Gagik Beglarian sworn in as mayor of Yerevan

Published: Friday June 12, 2009

On June 11, Gagik Beglarian was sworn in as the new mayor of Yerevan. President Serge Sargsian said on the occasion that the authorities must ensure that the next round of elections in Armenia will be free of any problems.

Parliament passes first reading of amendments to criminal code

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

On February 26, Armenia's parliament went through the first reading of amendments to Articles 225 (mass disorders) and 300 (usurping state power) of the Criminal Code. The amendments are meant to preclude the taking of political prisoners and bring about the release of some individuals detained in connection with the bloody clashes of March 1, 2008, in Yerevan.

March 1 Parliamentary Commission deadline prolonged

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

Armenia’s parliament has agreed to prolong the activities of the special parliamentary commission that was set up to investigate the events of March 1, 2008.

OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs visit the region

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Bernard Fassier (France), Matthew Bryza (United States), and Yuri Merzlyakov (Russia) were in Baku on February 26 and arrived in Yerevan the following day. They were to conduct meetings in Stepanakert on March 2.

Armenia’s foreign minister on a tour of the Middle East

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

Armenia's foreign minister visited Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Tender for construction of new nuclear unit in Armenia announced

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

An open tender for the construction of a new nuclear unit in the Republic of Armenia has been announced.

Karine Kazinian appointed deputy foreign minister

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

The former ambassador of Armenia to Germany Karine Kazinian has been appointed as a deputy foreign minister of Armenia.

Protest held in front of Georgian Embassy in Yerevan

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

The Javakhk Patriotic Union and other nongovernmental organizations staged a protest in front of the Georgian Embassy in Yerevan on February 25.

Armenian government to support educational and cultural institutions in Javakhk

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

Armenia has released almost 200 million AMD ($645,000) from the state budget for the renovation and reconstruction of Armenian schools in Javakhk, in the Republic of Georgia.

Amendments to law on religion referred to Venice Commission

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

Armenia's National Assembly, which was considering amendments to the law on religion and the criminal code, decided to hold off on action, pending consultations with the European Commission for Democracy through Law (the Venice Commission.

Restoration of Kars-Gyumri railroad studied

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

The South Caucasian Railway Company is continuing to study the feasibility of restoring the Kars-Gyumri railroad.

Yerevan Zoo to be renovated

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

The Yerevan Zoo will be renovated this year, an official announced.

Habitat for Humanity Armenia signs agreement with Urban Development Ministry

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009

Habitat for Humanity Armenia (HFHA) and Armenia’s Ministry of Urban Development have signed an agreement of cooperation, which will provide a framework for collaborative efforts on programs and activities aimed at improving the housing condition in the Armenia.

Bjni mineral water plant auctioned off

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

Ruben Hayrapetian, a member of parliament from the governing Republican Party of Armenia, has purchased the Bjni mineral water bottling company, which the Armenian government last year confiscated from member of parliament Khachatur Sukiassian and his family. Mr. Sukiassian helped bankroll the failed 2008 presidential campaign of Levon Ter-Petrossian.

EU Special Representative in Armenia again

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

The European Union’s Special Representative to the South Caucasus Peter Semneby was in Armenia and met with President Serge Sargsian on February 18.

Parliament set to amend law on religious organizations

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

Under proposed amendments to Armenia's law, representatives of religious organizations will not be allowed to go door-to-door preaching or attempt to convert those in communion with the Armenian Apostolic Church.

National fund to fight cancer established

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

A fund to fight oncological illnesses in Armenia has opened in Armenia.

Armenia’s national anthem to be sung in schools

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

Starting February 16, schoolchildren will sing Armenia’s national anthem in all schools across the country.

Asian Development Bank to help finance North-South corridor

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

ADB will allocate a $1 million grant for construction of Armenia's part of a north-south transport corridor.

OSCE to open Anti-Trafficking Support and Resource Unit

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

The OSCE will open the Anti-Trafficking Support and Resource Unit in Yerevan on February 26.

Microsoft conducts Safe Internet Day for students

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

Microsoft’s representative office in Yerevan conducted a Safe Internet Day at the Yerevan School of Physics and Mathematics.

House of Europe opens in Yerevan

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

The opening of the House of Europe took place in Yerevan on February 18.

Monument to Djivan Gasparian to be placed on Yerevan’s Abovian Street

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

A monument to renowned duduk player Djivan Gasparian will be erected on Abovian Street in downtown Yerevan.

Citizens protect nature from its guardians

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

A forest ranger has been fired and heavily fined after being caught on videotape shooting at wildlife he was hired to protect.

Multi drug-resistant TB prevention program to be implemented in 2009

Published: Friday February 13, 2009

Vahan Poghsyan, head of Armenia’s National TB Program, at a press conference on February 11 told journalists that all of Armenia will be involved in a multi drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) prevention program this coming year.

Armenia Fund director visits Iran

Published: Friday February 06, 2009

The executive director of the Armenia Fund, Ara Vardanyan, was in the Islamic Republic of Iran for a two-day working visit to discuss possibilities of establishing a fund affiliate there.

School of cheese making in Tashir to go regional

Published: Friday February 06, 2009

With the support of the Center of Agrobusiness and Rural Development (CARD) and the Armenian State Agrarian University, the Daughter Melania Cheese Factory is now being used as a school for cheese makers. Professors from the university and experienced cheese making specialists are teaching there.

Car imports grew by 18.5 percent in 2008

Published: Friday February 06, 2009

41,104 cars were imported into Armenia despite declining demand for cars globally.

Investments in construction hit $2.8 billion in 2008

Published: Friday February 06, 2009

According to Armenia’s National Statistical Service (NSS), investments in construction in Armenia in 2008 grew by 1.7 percent to $2.8 billion.

Cease-fire violations continue along Karabakh Line of Contact

Published: Friday February 06, 2009

On the night of January 30–31, Karabakh’s Armed Forces registered a number of cease-fire violations by the Azerbaijani army.

Richard Giragosian appointed director of ACNIS

Published: Friday February 06, 2009

Richard Giragosian, a former professional staff member of the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress, has been appointed director of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies, founder Raffi K. Hovannisian announced.

Gnishikadzor Valley to be nominated for submission in UNESCO World Heritage List

Published: Saturday January 31, 2009

Armenia has nominated its Gnishikadzor Valley for the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Credit program of German KfW Bank to continue in Shirak

Published: Saturday January 31, 2009

The construction of new water and sewage pipelines in Shirak is to continue within the framework of a credit program provided by the German KfW Bank, according to Armenpress. The three-staged program to construct these pipelines began in 2002 and the first round was completed in 2008.

Highest taxpayers in Armenia for 2008 announced

Published: Saturday January 31, 2009

A mobile phone operator has displaced the copper-mining industry as the top taxpayer of the year in Armenia, with some $100 million in taxes paid in 2008.

Armenian labor market feeling the crunch of the world financial crisis

Published: Saturday January 31, 2009

The head of Armenia's State Employment Service announced that about 2,000 people had lost their jobs by the end of 2008, with more job losses looming in the near future.

Istanbul hosts second Caucasus Platform meeting

Published: Saturday January 31, 2009

On January 26, a meeting on the Turkey-initiated Caucasian Stability and Cooperation Platform took place in Istanbul. But Azerbaijan's envoy ruled out cooperation in the Caucasus until the Karabakh conflict is settled.

Clashes claim two lives at Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact

Published: Saturday January 31, 2009

An Armenian civilian crossed over the Line of Contact between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan on Jan. 27. Azerbaijani soldiers opened fire on Nagorno-Karabakh positions and, as a result, an Armenian soldier was killed along with the civilian.

Armenia to take part in European Figure Skating championship

Published: Saturday December 06, 2008

Armenia will be taking part in the European Figure Skating championships in Helsinki in January. Meanwhile, Armenian-American figure skater Pier Balian might represent Armenia in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

First ever “Best Volunteer of the Year” held in Armenia

Published: Saturday December 06, 2008

In cooperation with the UN volunteer program, the Youth for the Sake of Peace and Development non¬governmental organization (NGO) held an awards ceremony for the best volunteer of the year.

International conference on repatriation to be held in Armenia

Published: Saturday December 06, 2008

Armenia’s newly created Diaspora Ministry is organizing an international conference titled, “1946-1948 Repatriation and Its Lessons: Issues of Repatriation Today,” in the resort town of Tsaghgadsor from December 12 to 14.

National Assembly approves a bill on referendums

Published: Saturday December 06, 2008

The Armenian parliament approved a bill that allows nonbinding referenda to gauge public opinion on critical national issues such as foreign policy, military and national security.

Two Armenian presidents participate in road opening

Published: Saturday December 06, 2008

The new 2.5-kilometer Getar expressway in Yerevan has five multilevel overpasses and three underground and overground pedestrian crosswalks, will help ease congestion and allow unhampered transportation on 10 key streets of the city.

Governing coalition nominates its members for Fact Finding Group, elects chair

Published: Saturday November 15, 2008

President Serge Sargsian signed a decree on October 23 through which a Fact Finding Group of Experts was to be set up to investigate the events surrounding March 1 (See Armenian Reporter, November 1). According to Armenpress, the governing coalition on Monday nominated its members to the newly created group. They are doctors of law Robert Avagian and Gevorg Tovmasian.

Opposition decides to suspend rallies temporarily

Published: Saturday October 25, 2008

Levon Ter-Petrossian, the first president of Armenia and now a leader of the opposition, has announced a temporary halt in all mass protests. He made his announcement at a mass rally on October 17.

UN Under-Secretary General Cheick Sidi Diarra in Armenia

Published: Saturday October 25, 2008

The UN Under-Secretary General, Cheick Sidi Diarra arrived in Yerevan to take part in the Global Innovation Forum for Education and Development on October 22. While in the country he met with the president, prime minister and minister of economy of Armenia.

Global Innovation Forum for Education and Development kicks off in Yerevan

Published: Saturday October 25, 2008

The Global Innovation Forum for Education and Development organized by the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID), UN e-Leaders Committee, Athgo International and the Ministry of Economy of Armenia took place in Yerevan October 21-24.

WiMax broadband wireless Internet service launched in Armenia

Published: Saturday October 25, 2008

Comstar - United TeleSystems (a component of AFK Sistema) Armenian project - a national telecom network, Comstar-OTS was launched in Yerevan with the participation of Russian President Dimitry Medvedev and President Serge Sargsian on October 21. According to company officials the network will offer WiMax broadband wireless Internet service in Yerevan and another 18 cities throughout Armenia. This telecommunication system is beneficial to countries like Armenia which has difficulty with access to services because of its geographic location.

Asian bank to fund feasibility study for Armenia-Iran railway

Published: Saturday October 25, 2008

At a press briefing in Yerevan, Armenia's Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian said that the Asian Development Bank will fund a feasibility study for the construction of an Armenia-Iran railway. The study will cost $1.5 million.

March 1 special commission asks for extension to present report

Published: Saturday October 18, 2008

The special parliamentary commission set up to investigate the bloody events of March 1 has asked parliament to extend its deadline beyond October 25.

Minister discusses potential impact of global financial crisis

Published: Tuesday October 07, 2008

Hovik Abrahamian elected as Speaker of the National Assembly

Published: Saturday October 04, 2008

On September 29, Hovik Abrahamian, member of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), was elected by secret ballot as the new Speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly.

Hranush Hakobyan appointed minister of diaspora affairs

Published: Saturday October 04, 2008

Hranush Hakobyan was appointed as minister of diaspora affairs on October 2 by a presidential decree. The ministry is brand new.

Fruitful Armenia Agroforum opens in Yerevan

Published: Saturday October 04, 2008

The fourth international Fruitful Armenia Agroforum was launched in Yerevan on September 30.

Young Armenian chess players to take part in world youth championships in Vietnam

Published: Saturday October 04, 2008

Fifteen Armenian chess players will be traveling to Vietnam to take part in the World Youth Championship.

From Armenia, in brief 27.09.08

Published: Saturday September 27, 2008

13 percent increase in state expenditures projected for 2009 The Armenian government approved a proposed budget for 2009 that calls for a 13.3 percent increase in spending over 2008. Minister of Finance Tigran Davtian stated in a briefing that expenditures will amount to 945 billion drams ($3.13 billion at current exchange rates) and revenues are projected at 905 billion drams.

Follow the blessing of the Muron on our blog

Published: Thursday September 25, 2008

Antranig Dereyan, who covered the monthlong visit of Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, to the Eastern United States last year for the Armenian Reporter, is blogging about his first trip to Armenia, where he will witness the blessing of the Holy Muron in Etchmiadzin on September 28.

Marijuana seized at Zvartnots International Airport

Published: Saturday September 20, 2008

About three kilograms of marijuana was seized at Zvartnots International Airport on September 16. Romik Alaverdyan, a citizen of the Netherlands, was allegedly found to have 3 kilograms of marijuana hidden in four boxes of baby food and potato chips. He had arrived on the Amsterdam-Yerevan flight. Airport custom officials said they found the stash after a routine check of Mr. Alaverdyan's goods. According to the Customs Agency the marijuana is thought to be worth $150,000.

Grandmaster Levon Aronian third in Grand Slam tournament

Published: Saturday September 20, 2008

Armenian grandmaster Levon Aronian, taking part in the Grand Slam tournament in Bilbao, Spain, was defeated by Azerbaijani ­Teymur Rajabov at the 10th round of the tournament. Levon gained 13 points and shared 2-3 places with the Norwegian Magnus Karlsen, who was able to take second place because of additional points.

Italy allocates 500,000 euros to UNDP to restore cultural monuments in Gyumri

Published: Saturday September 20, 2008

The Italian Foreign Ministry has allocated 500,000 euros to the UNDP for the restoration of cultural monuments in Gyumri, Armenia's second-largest city. During a press briefing, Armenia's minister of culture Hasmik Poghosian told reporters that the decision was announced at a meeting between her, the Italian Ambassador to Armenia Massimo Lavezzo Cassinelli and UNDP Resident Representative Consuelo Vidal. The Armenian culture ministry had applied for the program which will provide for the restoration of 19th-century buildings.

Report on implementation of Resolution 1620 by Armenia

Published: Saturday September 20, 2008

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg, at a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) monitoring commission presented an oral report on Armenia's implementation of Resolution 1620 that was adopted after the events of March 1 following the presidential elections. According to Arminfo, in his report Commissioner Hammarberg said that there are still issues which need to be thoroughly assessed. He went on to say that although there has been some progress, further serious steps need to be taken. PACE's session to be held at the end of September will not cover the issue on Armenia; only the Monitoring Commission will adopt a relevant statement.

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia arrives in Yerevan

Published: Saturday September 20, 2008

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Marie Yovanovitch arrived in Yerevan on September 17. The position of American ambassador had been vacant since 2006 when Ambassador John Evans was recalled for having acknowledged the Armenian Genocide.

Changes at Radio Liberty

Published: Saturday September 20, 2008

According to our sources, Aghassi Yenokyan has been selected as the new Yerevan Bureau Chief of Radio Liberty.

Armenian foreign minister travels to Georgia and Iran

Published: Saturday September 20, 2008

Edward Nalbandian, Armenia's foreign minister, traveled to Georgia on September 12 to meet his Georgian counterpart, Eka Tkeshelashvili. The foreign ministers discussed the recent developments in the region and possible solutions. Mr. Nalbandian said that he hoped that international efforts for a peaceful solution would affect change. According to Armenpress, Mr. Nalbandian also thanked Georgian authorities for ensuring the secure transportation of Armenian tourists who were in Ajaria when the conflict erupted. The two ministers also discussed the Nagorno­-Karabakh conflict as well as Armenia­-Turkey relations.

International Union of Judges holds conference in Yerevan

Published: Sunday September 14, 2008

Russia to provide $10 million for safety upgrade of Armenia's nuclear power plant

Published: Sunday September 14, 2008

Iran-Armenia gas pipeline completed, to undergo tests

Published: Sunday September 14, 2008

Armenia to start direct delivery of electric power to Turkey

Published: Sunday September 14, 2008

Local elections marred by violence

Published: Saturday September 13, 2008

Jemal Pasha's grandson visits Armenian Genocide memorial

Published: Saturday September 13, 2008

Government to update Armenian Red Book

Published: Saturday August 30, 2008

According to Armenpress, Armenia's government has allocated 31 million AMD for the ministry of nature protection to prepare an updated version of the Armenian Red Book. The Red Book is a two-volume directory of Armenia's fauna and it is anticipated that it will be released by the end of 2008.

CARD helps showcase traditional Armenian dishes

Published: Saturday August 30, 2008

The Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development (CARD) held what has now become an annual presentation of over 500 traditional Armenian dishes. According to Armenpress, Anna Karapetian, CARD's program coordinator, said that the objective of this presentation is to restore and maintain traditional Armenian dishes. She said that most of the dishes were prepared by old recipes, handed down from mother to daughter.

Students prepare for new school year

Published: Saturday August 30, 2008

There are about 200 schools in Yerevan and they are all preparing for the first day of school, September 1. According to Kamo Areyan, deputy mayor of Yerevan, this year 8,314 children will be admitted to the first grade in Yerevan alone; 33,500 across the country.

HSBC sponsors yacht building in Armenia

Published: Saturday August 30, 2008

Ayas, the Armenian Navigation Club of Sea Research has built a sailboat christened Nairi. Adhering to ancient traditions of sailboat building, Nairi was made possible through the financial assistance of HSBC Bank Armenia. On August 23, Nairi was launched into Lake Sevan with great fanfare.

COAF repairs ambulance station and kindergarten in Lernagog

Published: Saturday August 30, 2008

After undergoing major repairs, the ambulance station and kindergarten in Lernagog reopened on Sunday, August 24. The repairs were funded by the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) as part of their Comprehensive Development Inclusive Program.

Central Banks bans Western Union transfers

Published: Saturday August 30, 2008

According to the press service of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA), all commercial banks operating in Armenia were ordered to immediately stop all cooperation agreements with the international money transfer company Western Union. According to bank officials, Western Union, without prior warning, refused to wire cash transfers to Karabakh.

Hovik Abrahamian elected to National Assembly

Published: Saturday August 30, 2008

In a by-election held on August 24, Hovik Abrahamian, Armenia's presidential chief of staff and a senior member of the ruling Republican Party, was elected to Armenia's parliament. The election was held in Constituency Number 17 in the town of Ashtarak in the region of Ararat. The seat had become vacant after Henrik Abrahamian, Hovik Abrahamian's brother, renounced his parliamentary mandate.

Armenia celebrates its bronze heroes

Published: Saturday August 30, 2008

In the early evening hours of August 26, thousands of Armenians gathered in Republic Square to pay homage to Armenia's six bronze medalists and the rest of Armenia's Olympic team who had participated in the XXIX Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

Third annual One Nation, One Culture Festival concludes

Published: Saturday August 30, 2008

On August 23, the third annual pan-Armenian One Nation, One Culture festival came to an end at Republic Square in the heart of Yerevan. The closing ceremony which was a song and dance festivity, brought together various cultural ensembles from Armenia and from around the world. Pop stars from Armenia also joined the festivities on stage. The celebration-concert wrapped up a week of cultural events that had taken place throughout the country.

From Armenia, in brief

Published: Saturday August 23, 2008

Rubezh 2008 military exercises kick off in Armenia Nikolay Bordzyuzha, the secretary general of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and a group of CSTO Secretariat members were in Yerevan to participate in the Rubezh 2008 military exercises and to also participate in the meeting of the CSTO Council of Defense Ministers on August 21.