NEWS ON ARMENIATV

2007-10-19 Para Olympics in Shanghai

During the games, Armenian swimmers and athletes won 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals. According to head of “Armenian Special Olympics” none governmental organization Artak Israelian, if all financial issues were solved and Armenia sent a larger delegation, the number of medals would have been much more. Israelian said that compared to the delegation of other countries, Armenia’s delegation was the smallest.

2007-10-19 A new agreement signed between the cities of Yerevan and Marseille

The new agreement signed between Armenia and Marseille focuses on boosting economic ties between the two cities. Speaking to reporters the Yerevan mayor Yervand Zakharian said that the new agreement will open new prospects for both cities to drastically boost their ties. Yervand Zakharian said that historical and cultural bond tie the French and the Armenians. He noted that Armenians have a special sympathy towards the French, which is explained by both nations’ respect of humanistic values.The Mayor of Marseille Jean-Claude Gaudin said that jointly Yerevan and Marseille will find solutions to many problems, such as youth unemployment, the gap between the rich and the poor and natural resources management.The senator noted that they are very proud that France has officially recognized the 1915 Armenian Genocide. He reminded that in 1998 the City Council of Marseilles decided to support the appropriate motion in the National Assembly and have a pro-Armenian position. Jean-Claude Gaudin reaffirmed that France is decisive in its opinion and Turkey must not become a member of the European Union. “Now France has a new President, who has been repeatedly declaring that Turkey cannot join the EU" said the senator.

2007-10-19 Armenian Prime Minister in the US

On the early morning of October 18 U.S. defense secretary Robert Gates welcomed Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian at Pentagon. During the meeting Serj Sarkissian spoke about the provision of American military aid to Southern Caucasus countries. He suggested that the US keep allocating equal amounts of military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan. In his turn Robert Gates highly appreciated Armenia’s participation in the reconstruction of Iraq. Later that day the Armenian premier visited the headquarters of the Millennium Challenges Corporation for a meeting with its chief executive officer John Danilovich. During the meeting the parties discussed the implementation of the Millennium Challenges Armenia program and upcoming programs. John Danilovich assured that the Millennium Challenge Corporations cooperation with Armenia is positive. According to him the MCC council will conduct its annual meeting in November to evaluate the successes in different countries and discuss is they still remain eligible for MCC support. John Danilovich noted that the Millennium Challenge Corporation observes the elections and reforms in Armenia, adding that special attention is paid to human rights in the country. Danilovich said that right now it is important for Armenia to conduct fair, free and transparent presidential elections. The Armenian Premier noted that Armenia is willing to continue cooperating with the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Serj Sarkissian said that Armenia is willing to participate in the phase of Millennium Challenges Corporation programs and expressed hope that the project will be approved by the Senate. Later in the evening Serj Sarkissian was received by US vice-president Dick Cheney at the White House. During the meeting the interlocutors discussed the prospects of Armenian-American relations at the White House. Serj Sarkissian stressed the high level of Armenian-American relations and Armenia\'s readiness to further develop and deepen the relations. He also added that Armenian authorities are determined to establish absolute democracy in the country. US Vice President reiterated that the USA is ready to further assist Armenia in democratic reforms. The parties also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Karabakh peace process. The Armenian premier noted that Armenia is willing to regulate its the relations with Turkey, but will continue having the international recognition of Armenian Genocide on its foreign political agenda. Richard Cheney confirmed USA\'s interest in normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations and readiness to contribute to settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

2007-10-19 Nuclear study center inaugurated

Armenian National Assembly Sepaker, a graduate of the university Tigran Torossian participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony of the laboratory established by the US energetic department. Tigran Torosyan was also unanimously elected chairman of the Association of Graduates of the Yerevan Polytechnic Institute - State Engineering University of Armenia. Former chairman of the Association was late Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan.

2007-10-19 Taxis must pay taxes

Armenian Transport and communication minister Andranik Manukian said that the government approved another change to the Law on Licensing. He said that previously all taxi drivers had to pay 200.000 drams ($600) state tax, while from now an individual taxi driver has to pay 25.000 drams ($76) and taxi companies running more than 1 taxi have to pay 200.000 drams ($600). Manukian also said that from now according to the amended law, taxi owners are not obliged to install cash registers, if they have already installed meters.

2007-10-19 “Dialogue in third person”

By the initiative of “Spiritual-cultural renaissance” fund, Silva Youzbashian recited at the Aram Khachaterian concert hall poems by Hamo Sahian and Vahagn Davtian. The day’s program was titled “Dialogue in third person”. As part of the event, Silva Youzbashian was granted a gold medal by the Ministry of Culture of Armenia.

2007-10-19 The Yerevan mayor will be elected and not appointed

Armenian justice Minister Gevorg Danielian said that all political parties can nominate their candidates before the Yerevan council. According to him the candidate who gets at least 40 percent of votes of the 55 member council will win the election.