NEWS ON ARMENIATV

2007-10-12 Andranik Mihranian’s Political Observations

Regarding the upcoming presidential elections Mihranian said “Levon Ter-Petrosian is still weighing his possible nomination,’ adding that Ter-Petrosian promised to ground his decision in either case. “Although Levon Ter-Petrosian has both moral and political right to join the presidential race, he can compete with the pro-government candidate only in case he succeeds in ensuring a broad-based opposition support to his bid and in case he has an interesting political manifesto,’ Mihranian said. Mihranian argued today that prime minister Serj Sarkisian will have the biggest chance to win the next year’s presidential election, especially that the junior coalition partner, the Prosperous Armenia party, which has the second-biggest faction in the parliament, has vowed to endorse Sarkisian’s presidential bid. To substantiate he cited the outcome of the May 12 parliamentary elections in which Serj Sarkisian’s Republican Party won the majority of seats in the National Assembly. Andranik Mihranyan also commented on recent political developments in Russia and their possible recurrence in Armenia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not denied rumors that he will become the country’s next Prime Minister. Even though Armenian president Robert Kocharian has not come out with such an announcement, there are rumors that developments in Russia will precisely repeat in Armenia. But According to political analyst Andranik Mihranian, Robert Kocharian will not become Armenia’s next Prime Minister after the 2008 presidential elections, as the situation in Armenia is different. Mihranian explained that in order to do so, Robert Kocharian had to follow Vladimir Putin’s example. He said that Putin is someone who is loved by people, has 70-80 percent of confidence, leads the ticket of the Yedinaya Rossia Party. Andranik Mihranyan concludes his analysis of Robert Kocharyan’s political image saying, “there are great presidents and there are great ex-presidents.”

2007-10-12 The Second Meeting of CIS Council of Justice Minister

As a result of a two day CIS Council of justice Minister meeting participants of the meeting adopted a Plan of Work of CIS Council of Justice Ministers for 2008-2012. Justice Minister of Belarus Vikto Golovanov was elected Chairman of the next meeting of the Council, which will take place in 2008 in Minsk. Commenting on the results of the session, Armenian Justice Minister Gevorg Danielian said that direct contact with counterparts, in terms of experience exchange is always preferable and efficient. The Council of Justice Minister was established on August 26 2005 at the Summit of CIS Leaders in Moscow. The leaders made a decision to convene the Council of Justice Ministers at least once in a year.

2007-10-12 “Bringing Sight to Armenian Children’s Eyes” Campaign

This year the Armenian eyecare project, the US international development agency and Ministry of Health of Armenia partnered to organize “Bringing sight to Armenian children’s eyes” campaign exhibiting the drawings of more than 50 children with impaired eyesight. Chairwoman of Armenian office of the eyecare project - Nune Yeghiazarian says the event is meant to reveal how children with impaired eyesight perceive the world and to remind the public in general of the need to protect eyesight.

2007-10-12 “Gohar” Choir and the Symphonic Orchestra in the US

During the projected 12 concerts, the choir will come out with a great variety of genres including patriotic, national and classical songs. Before departure, “Gohar” with its 160 members is having its final rehearsals in Gyumri.

2007-10-12 Jose Manuel Barroso and Robert Kocharian at a Joint Press Conference

In Brussels President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso declared that Armenia has registered great progress implementing the European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan, especially in the field of reforms. The Armenian President noted that after the adoption of the Action Plan the cooperation between the European Union and Armenia has become more coordinated and concrete. Jose Manuel Barroso declared that during his meeting with Robert Kocharyan he voiced the anxiety of the European Commission with the operation of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The Commission believes that the further exploitation of the plant is dangerous. Barosso said Armenia will receive the financial assistance needed if it decided to temporarily close down the plant. Referring to Armenian Turkish relations, President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said that Turkey and Armenia must take concrete steps towards reconciliation. The Armenian president assured that the easiest way to establish relations would be to launch dialogue without preconditions an option Turkey has refused for the past 15 years. The Armenian President also spoke of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying he personally believes that the conflict will not be resolved until the 2008 presidential elections in Armenia. At the same time Robert Kocharyan noted that the sides have passed a long way over the past years and have come to an agreement on a number of principal issues.