Armenian News... A Topalian... Faster IT Growth in Armenia
RFE/RL Report
Government Sees Potential For Faster IT Growth In Armenia
September 27, 2017
Prime Minister Karen Karapetian said on Wednesday that his government
is ready to take "revolutionary" measures to help speed up the already
rapid growth of Armenia's information technology (IT) sector.
"We will consistently carry on with our policy of supporting the
development of information technology and will deepen and expand our
cooperation with local and transnational companies involved in this
area," he told an annual international conference held in Yerevan.
The Armenia tech industry has expanded by an average of over 20
percent annually in the past decade, making it the fastest-growing
sector of the domestic economy. Its annual turnover is now equivalent
to roughly 5 percent of Gross Domestic Product.
"Right now we have serious competitive advantages both in the region
and in comparison to other countries," declared Karapetian. He
insisted that growth in the sector employing around 15,000 people
could be even faster.
In particular, he said, major tax breaks introduced by the previous
Armenian cabinet two years ago should further accelerate the emergence
of IT startups. In his words, 100 such firms were already set up last
year.
Although there are currently some 500 IT firms operating in Armenia,
the sector is still dominated by the Armenian branches of U.S. tech
giants like as Synopsys, National Instruments, Mentor Graphics and
VMware. But its steady expansion is also increasingly driven by
homegrown Armenian companies.
Karapetian noted with satisfaction that more of them are switching
from outsourcing to development of their own products and innovative
solutions. "I want our local firms to be much more active and
audacious seeing as we have declared that the government is prepared
for any logical and, if necessary, even revolutionary solutions," he
said in a speech at the ArmTech 2017 forum organized by the
government.
The premier added that the government is specifically ready to
authorize the IT sector to manage computer science programs in
Armenia's schools and universities.
Industry executives have long complained about the inadequate
professional level of many graduates of IT departments of Armenia
universities. According to their estimates, there are now thousands of
vacancies in the sector because of that. They say the continuing
shortage of skilled personnel is the key challenge facing their
companies.
Earlier this year Karapetian met with a team of government officials
and tech executives that proposed a wide-ranging reform of engineering
education in Armenia. One of those executives said only half of 1,300
IT students graduating from Armenian universities each year are
qualified enough to work in the sector without undergoing further
training.
RFE/RL Report
Karabakh Armenians Hail Kurdish Independence Vote
September 27, 2017
Ruzanna Stepanian
Nagorno-Karabakh's leadership on Wednesday welcomed the holding of a
controversial referendum on independence in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
By contrast, Armenia's government reacted cautiously to Monday's vote
condemned by the Iraqi government as well as Turkey and Iran. A
spokesman for the Armenian Foreign Ministry said only that Yerevan is
"monitoring developments."
The results of the referendum have not yet been announced. However, an
overwhelming "yes" vote is widely expected.
"We welcome the conduct of the referendum on independence in Iraqi
Kurdistan an act of exercising peoples' right to self-determination #
upheld by the UN Charter and other fundamental international
documents," read a statement released by the Karabakh foreign
ministry.
"We hope that the situation that has emerged as a result of the
referendum will be settled peacefully, based on the need for stability
and security in the region," it added.
Karabakh's predominantly ethnic Armenian population similarly voted to
secede from Azerbaijan in a referendum held in 1991. The vote, which
was followed by a bloody war, was not formally recognized by any
country. Still, the United States, Russia and France seem to have
recognized the Karabakh Armenians' right to self-determination in
their peace proposals jointly made over the past decade.
The referendum in Kurdistan was also hailed on Wednesday by Knyaz
Hasanov, the leader of Armenia's small Kurdish community. Hasanov, who
was elected to the Armenian parliament in April, made clear at the
same time that he will not press the authorities in Yerevan to
recognize the vote and its outcome.
"Every state has its own interests and Armenia too has its own
interests," he told RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). "Armenia
has a good rapport with Iran, which opposes Kurdistan's independence."
"I'm not going to raise the issue of recognizing Kurdistan," Hasanov
said. "It's up to the Armenian authorities, not me, to decide."
Yerevan also maintains cordial relations with both the Iraqi central
government and the Kurdish regional administration in northern
Iraq. It formally decided in March to open an Armenian consulate
general in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. In February, Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian held fresh talks with Massoud Barzani, the
Iraqi Kurdish leader, on the sidelines of an international security
conference in Germany.
Armenia's trade with the Kurdish region and other parts of Iraq has
grown considerably in recent years. Armenian exports to the Middle
Eastern nation account for the bulk of bilateral trade which stood at
$138 million last year.
Incidentally, Iraq's Agriculture Minister Falah Hassan Zeidan
Al-Lahibi visited Armenia this week to explore ways of deepening
commercial ties between the two countries. He reportedly told Prime
Minister Karen Karapetian on Wednesday that Bagdad would like to
increase imports from Armenia. He singled out Armenian agricultural
products and electricity
Karabakh Armenians Hail Kurdish Independence Vote
September 27, 2017
Ruzanna Stepanian
Nagorno-Karabakh's leadership on Wednesday welcomed the holding of a
controversial referendum on independence in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
By contrast, Armenia's government reacted cautiously to Monday's vote
condemned by the Iraqi government as well as Turkey and Iran. A
spokesman for the Armenian Foreign Ministry said only that Yerevan is
"monitoring developments."
The results of the referendum have not yet been announced. However, an
overwhelming "yes" vote is widely expected.
"We welcome the conduct of the referendum on independence in Iraqi
Kurdistan an act of exercising peoples' right to self-determination #
upheld by the UN Charter and other fundamental international
documents," read a statement released by the Karabakh foreign
ministry.
"We hope that the situation that has emerged as a result of the
referendum will be settled peacefully, based on the need for stability
and security in the region," it added.
Karabakh's predominantly ethnic Armenian population similarly voted to
secede from Azerbaijan in a referendum held in 1991. The vote, which
was followed by a bloody war, was not formally recognized by any
country. Still, the United States, Russia and France seem to have
recognized the Karabakh Armenians' right to self-determination in
their peace proposals jointly made over the past decade.
The referendum in Kurdistan was also hailed on Wednesday by Knyaz
Hasanov, the leader of Armenia's small Kurdish community. Hasanov, who
was elected to the Armenian parliament in April, made clear at the
same time that he will not press the authorities in Yerevan to
recognize the vote and its outcome.
"Every state has its own interests and Armenia too has its own
interests," he told RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). "Armenia
has a good rapport with Iran, which opposes Kurdistan's independence."
"I'm not going to raise the issue of recognizing Kurdistan," Hasanov
said. "It's up to the Armenian authorities, not me, to decide."
Yerevan also maintains cordial relations with both the Iraqi central
government and the Kurdish regional administration in northern
Iraq. It formally decided in March to open an Armenian consulate
general in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. In February, Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian held fresh talks with Massoud Barzani, the
Iraqi Kurdish leader, on the sidelines of an international security
conference in Germany.
Armenia's trade with the Kurdish region and other parts of Iraq has
grown considerably in recent years. Armenian exports to the Middle
Eastern nation account for the bulk of bilateral trade which stood at
$138 million last year.
Incidentally, Iraq's Agriculture Minister Falah Hassan Zeidan
Al-Lahibi visited Armenia this week to explore ways of deepening
commercial ties between the two countries. He reportedly told Prime
Minister Karen Karapetian on Wednesday that Bagdad would like to
increase imports from Armenia. He singled out Armenian agricultural
products and electricity
[note that in another press report, the UK minister said that Armenian
'massacres' were recognised at the time but he could not upgrade this
to 'genocide' following all the academic findings done since then.
This article uses alternative weasel words.]
September 27, 2017 Wednesday
UK among first countries to condemn Armenian Genocide
– British Minister
The United Kingdom condemned the atrocities and pogroms still
hundred years ago,
Minister of State of UK for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign &
Commonwealth Office Alan Duncan announced during the joint press
conference with the Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian,
answering the question if he thinks that the international recognition
of the Armenian Genocide would have prevented a number of crimes, the
Holocaust, Rwanda and many terror acts happening today.
“We were among the first to condemn still at that time. I visited the
memorial complex, it was a very emotional moment for me. There are
clear evidences here, in Yerevan, showpieces of the British parliament
of 100 years ago on condemning the Genocide”, he said.
Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian added that in May 1915
Great Britain, together with Russia and France, issued a relative
statement characterizing the Armenian Genocide as a crime against
humanity.
Minister of State of UK for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign &
Commonwealth Office Alan Duncan is in Armenia on September 26-28 at
the invitation of Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian.
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 28 2017
Michigan recognizes Artsakh independence
Michigan became the 8th U.S. state to recognize the independent Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh) today, with the overwhelming passage of S.R.99, spearheaded by Senator David Knezek (D–5th District). The Armenian Weekly reports, the bipartisan measure calls upon the U.S. to establish economic and cultural ties with the Artsakh Republic and support peace and stability across the South Caucasus, reported the Armenian National Committee of Michigan.
“Artsakh’s story is a very American story—one of freedom, self-determination, democracy, and peace,” the source quotes MI State Senator David Knezek as saying. “Michiganders are proud to join Artsakh in saluting these shared values as we work to expand U.S.-Artsakh cultural and economic ties and support a lasting peace in the region.”
Adopted by a voice vote, S.R.99 discusses Artsakh’s historically Armenian roots and Soviet dictator Josef Stalin’s 1921 decision to force the South Caucasus region under Soviet Azerbaijani control. Peaceful efforts by the Artsakh people seeking independence were met with pogroms in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku and the cities of Sumgait and Kirovabad and a six-year war for Artsakh independence, which concluded with a tenuous cease-fire in 1994.
“The Armenians of Artsakh remain resolute in their efforts to exercise the right to self-determination and live free from violence and repression, and by recognizing the government of Artsakh, the international community can help put to rest this century-old conflict,” notes the Michigan Senate Resolution.
The measure calls on the “President and Congress of the United States to recognize a free and independent Republic of Artsakh,” and “to strengthen and solidify our country’s economic and cultural relationship with the Artsakh Republic.” It goes on to support Artsakh efforts with the international community to “reach a lasting solution to the existing regional problems and establish peace and stability in the strategically important region of South Caucasus.”
ARKA, Armenia
Sept 29 2017
Unemployment is the main problem of Armenian youth
YEREVAN, September 29. /ARKA/. A series of public opinion surveys conducted by an organization called Progressive Youth in the last 6 months in all 10 Armenian provinces embracing young people aged 16 - 25 revealed that they consider unemployment, lack of opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to get a job, as well as lack of information about job openings and educational programs as their main problems.
Speaking today at a youth forum titled "Everyone is Important’ the head of the organization Grigor Yeritsyan said “Everyone is Important" is being implemented in Armenia, Ukraine and Moldova as part of the Eastern Partnership project.
Yeritsyan, could not say how many young people had been surveyed by the polls, saying the polls had been conducted both in rural and urban communities. The program also included seminars in which participants were taught how to properly compile CVs, use e-mail, and search for relevant information on the Internet.
Approved by 27 EU member-states at the December 2008 summit in Brussels, the initiators of the Eastern Partnership were Poland and Sweden. The program aims at bringing together Ukraine, Armenia, Moldavia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and, possibly, Belarus.
The program’s objective is to boost political cooperation and integrate ex-soviet states into EU economy, as well as extend financial assistance to these countries and ensure energy safety in post-Soviet space.
[a pair of very contrasting reports on the justice system]
RFE/RL Report
Sarkisian Pardons Ex-Official Jailed For Corruption
September 28, 2017
Hovannes Movsisian
President Serzh Sarkisian has pardoned a former head of Armenia's
state pension fund who was arrested five years ago and subsequently
sentenced to 12 years in prison for corruption.
Vazgen Khachikian, who was also a senior member of Sarkisian's
Minister of State of UK for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign &
Commonwealth Office Alan Duncan announced during the joint press
conference with the Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian,
answering the question if he thinks that the international recognition
of the Armenian Genocide would have prevented a number of crimes, the
Holocaust, Rwanda and many terror acts happening today.
“We were among the first to condemn still at that time. I visited the
memorial complex, it was a very emotional moment for me. There are
clear evidences here, in Yerevan, showpieces of the British parliament
of 100 years ago on condemning the Genocide”, he said.
Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian added that in May 1915
Great Britain, together with Russia and France, issued a relative
statement characterizing the Armenian Genocide as a crime against
humanity.
Minister of State of UK for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign &
Commonwealth Office Alan Duncan is in Armenia on September 26-28 at
the invitation of Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian.
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 28 2017
Michigan recognizes Artsakh independence
Michigan became the 8th U.S. state to recognize the independent Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh) today, with the overwhelming passage of S.R.99, spearheaded by Senator David Knezek (D–5th District). The Armenian Weekly reports, the bipartisan measure calls upon the U.S. to establish economic and cultural ties with the Artsakh Republic and support peace and stability across the South Caucasus, reported the Armenian National Committee of Michigan.
“Artsakh’s story is a very American story—one of freedom, self-determination, democracy, and peace,” the source quotes MI State Senator David Knezek as saying. “Michiganders are proud to join Artsakh in saluting these shared values as we work to expand U.S.-Artsakh cultural and economic ties and support a lasting peace in the region.”
Adopted by a voice vote, S.R.99 discusses Artsakh’s historically Armenian roots and Soviet dictator Josef Stalin’s 1921 decision to force the South Caucasus region under Soviet Azerbaijani control. Peaceful efforts by the Artsakh people seeking independence were met with pogroms in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku and the cities of Sumgait and Kirovabad and a six-year war for Artsakh independence, which concluded with a tenuous cease-fire in 1994.
“The Armenians of Artsakh remain resolute in their efforts to exercise the right to self-determination and live free from violence and repression, and by recognizing the government of Artsakh, the international community can help put to rest this century-old conflict,” notes the Michigan Senate Resolution.
The measure calls on the “President and Congress of the United States to recognize a free and independent Republic of Artsakh,” and “to strengthen and solidify our country’s economic and cultural relationship with the Artsakh Republic.” It goes on to support Artsakh efforts with the international community to “reach a lasting solution to the existing regional problems and establish peace and stability in the strategically important region of South Caucasus.”
ARKA, Armenia
Sept 29 2017
Unemployment is the main problem of Armenian youth
YEREVAN, September 29. /ARKA/. A series of public opinion surveys conducted by an organization called Progressive Youth in the last 6 months in all 10 Armenian provinces embracing young people aged 16 - 25 revealed that they consider unemployment, lack of opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to get a job, as well as lack of information about job openings and educational programs as their main problems.
Speaking today at a youth forum titled "Everyone is Important’ the head of the organization Grigor Yeritsyan said “Everyone is Important" is being implemented in Armenia, Ukraine and Moldova as part of the Eastern Partnership project.
Yeritsyan, could not say how many young people had been surveyed by the polls, saying the polls had been conducted both in rural and urban communities. The program also included seminars in which participants were taught how to properly compile CVs, use e-mail, and search for relevant information on the Internet.
Approved by 27 EU member-states at the December 2008 summit in Brussels, the initiators of the Eastern Partnership were Poland and Sweden. The program aims at bringing together Ukraine, Armenia, Moldavia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and, possibly, Belarus.
The program’s objective is to boost political cooperation and integrate ex-soviet states into EU economy, as well as extend financial assistance to these countries and ensure energy safety in post-Soviet space.
[a pair of very contrasting reports on the justice system]
RFE/RL Report
Sarkisian Pardons Ex-Official Jailed For Corruption
September 28, 2017
Hovannes Movsisian
President Serzh Sarkisian has pardoned a former head of Armenia's
state pension fund who was arrested five years ago and subsequently
sentenced to 12 years in prison for corruption.
Vazgen Khachikian, who was also a senior member of Sarkisian's
ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), was set free on Thursday.
In late 2014, a court Yerevan found Khachikian and 11 other employees
of the State Social Security Service (SSSS) guilty of embezzling 300
million drams ($620,000) in public funds allocated for the payment of
various social benefits. Four of them were jailed for 4 to 5 years,
while several others received suspended prison sentences.
Sarkisian's press secretary, Vladimir Hakobian, refused to give the
official reason for the pardon, saying that the relevant presidential
decree will not be publicized. "The president is allowed [by the
Armenian constitution] to grant pardons," he told RFE/RL's Armenian
service (Azatutyun.am).
Khachikian and two of his former high-ranking subordinates were
arrested in September 2012 in a nationwide criminal investigation into
widespread corruption within the SSSS. The Armenian police launched
the probe in 2011 shortly after the parliamentary Audit Chamber
alleged that thousands of pensioners received, on paper, pensions
years after their death. The chamber reported similar abuses in the
payment of poverty and disability benefits.
Khachikian, denied the fraud and embezzlement charges throughout his
trial that began in early 2013. His lawyer denounced the guilty
verdict handed down by the court as "totally unfounded."
RFE/RL Report
Judge Orders Another Trial Over Yerevan Standoff
September 28, 2017
Naira Bulghadarian
An Armenian judge ordered on Thursday a third separate trial stemming
the armed attack on a police station in Yerevan that was carried out
by a radical opposition group last year.
The 32 members and alleged backers of the group have stood two trials
until now, facing grave accusations carrying lengthy prison
sentences. Both trials have been effectively paralyzed by bitter
wrangling between the presiding judges and the defendants and their
lawyers. The latter have been routinely barred from hearings for
contempt of court.
As a consequence, one of the judges, Artush Gabrielian, decided to
permanently exclude 11 of the 18 defendants from the trial presided
over by him. He said they will be tried by another judge.
Gabrielian did not explain his decision. None of the defendants was
present in the courtroom when he read it out.
The defense lawyers, who have repeatedly accused Gabrielian of bias
and violations of the due process, criticized the decision.
"They should not have split the criminal case into two parts to begin
with," one of them, Lusine Sahakian, told RFE/RL's Armenian service
(Azatutyun.am). "Now they have split it into three parts." She said
the judge thus also admitted his inability to conduct the trial.
Another lawyer, Yervand Varosian, claimed that the third trial will
make it easier for the Armenian authorities to obstruct justice in the
case. "They will obstruct in the sense that the same evidence will be
examined by [three] different courts, which will makes no sense," he
said.
Sahakian, Varosian and other attorneys have for months been demanding
that Gabrielian be replaced by another judge. They also claim that the
authorities deliberately provoked the turmoil in both trials to hold
them in their and their clients' absence.
The three dozen opposition gunmen seized the police base in Yerevan's
Erebuni district in July 2016. They demanded that President Serzh
Sarkisian free the jailed leader of their Founding Parliament
movement, Zhirayr Sefilian, and step down. The gunmen laid down their
arms following a two-week standoff with Armenian security forces which
left three police officers dead.
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 28 2017
Armenia’s abortion rate on the decline in recent years, doctor says
No cases of maternal mortality was recorded in Armenia in the past ten years as a result of sex-selective abortions, which is mainly linked to the use of contraception by Armenian women, an Armenian official told a news conference on Thursday.
Touching upon the prevalence of miscarriages, Gayane Avagyan, Head of Maternal and Reproductive Health Department of Armenia’s Ministry of Health noted that such cases range from 2500 to 2800 due to the introduction of new surveillance mechanisms.
“2235 miscarriages were recorded in 2016. The number of abortions prescribed by doctors have increased. If 300-400 such cases were reported ten years ago, now the number has reached to 1500-1700 in recent years. This means that fetal defects are possible to be detected early due to screening tests,” the doctor said.
Ms. Avagyan highlighted the mandatory three-day “reflection period” before the final decision on abortion, after which many woman abandon such a decision.
The speaker also reminded that pursuant to the Armenian legislation a health worker shall be fined by 80-100 fold of his/her salary for performing a sex-selective abortion. Regarding the individuals performing such a procedure, she said pharmacies sell medicine only by doctor’s prescription to restrict their activity.
“In general, a downward trend in abortions has been observed in recent years. If in 2000, the abortion rate per woman was 2.6, the figure reduced to 1.8 in 2005, 0.8 – in 2010 and 0.6 – in 2015. It is noteworthy that the number of abortions and childbirths have dropped among the teenagers,” the expert said.
Gayane Avagyan drew attention to the fact that around 70-80,000 women die annually around the work due to the complications from abortions.
She also noted that after capital Yerevan, high rates of sex-selective abortions are recorded in Gegharkunik, Aragatsotn and Ararat provinces, in case when the incidence of such cases is relatively low in Syunik, Tavush and Lori provinces.
Ms. Avagyan reminded that 100 girls are born per 115 boys in Armenia when the normal birth sex ratio of boys to girls is 105-100.
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 29 2017
In late 2014, a court Yerevan found Khachikian and 11 other employees
of the State Social Security Service (SSSS) guilty of embezzling 300
million drams ($620,000) in public funds allocated for the payment of
various social benefits. Four of them were jailed for 4 to 5 years,
while several others received suspended prison sentences.
Sarkisian's press secretary, Vladimir Hakobian, refused to give the
official reason for the pardon, saying that the relevant presidential
decree will not be publicized. "The president is allowed [by the
Armenian constitution] to grant pardons," he told RFE/RL's Armenian
service (Azatutyun.am).
Khachikian and two of his former high-ranking subordinates were
arrested in September 2012 in a nationwide criminal investigation into
widespread corruption within the SSSS. The Armenian police launched
the probe in 2011 shortly after the parliamentary Audit Chamber
alleged that thousands of pensioners received, on paper, pensions
years after their death. The chamber reported similar abuses in the
payment of poverty and disability benefits.
Khachikian, denied the fraud and embezzlement charges throughout his
trial that began in early 2013. His lawyer denounced the guilty
verdict handed down by the court as "totally unfounded."
RFE/RL Report
Judge Orders Another Trial Over Yerevan Standoff
September 28, 2017
Naira Bulghadarian
An Armenian judge ordered on Thursday a third separate trial stemming
the armed attack on a police station in Yerevan that was carried out
by a radical opposition group last year.
The 32 members and alleged backers of the group have stood two trials
until now, facing grave accusations carrying lengthy prison
sentences. Both trials have been effectively paralyzed by bitter
wrangling between the presiding judges and the defendants and their
lawyers. The latter have been routinely barred from hearings for
contempt of court.
As a consequence, one of the judges, Artush Gabrielian, decided to
permanently exclude 11 of the 18 defendants from the trial presided
over by him. He said they will be tried by another judge.
Gabrielian did not explain his decision. None of the defendants was
present in the courtroom when he read it out.
The defense lawyers, who have repeatedly accused Gabrielian of bias
and violations of the due process, criticized the decision.
"They should not have split the criminal case into two parts to begin
with," one of them, Lusine Sahakian, told RFE/RL's Armenian service
(Azatutyun.am). "Now they have split it into three parts." She said
the judge thus also admitted his inability to conduct the trial.
Another lawyer, Yervand Varosian, claimed that the third trial will
make it easier for the Armenian authorities to obstruct justice in the
case. "They will obstruct in the sense that the same evidence will be
examined by [three] different courts, which will makes no sense," he
said.
Sahakian, Varosian and other attorneys have for months been demanding
that Gabrielian be replaced by another judge. They also claim that the
authorities deliberately provoked the turmoil in both trials to hold
them in their and their clients' absence.
The three dozen opposition gunmen seized the police base in Yerevan's
Erebuni district in July 2016. They demanded that President Serzh
Sarkisian free the jailed leader of their Founding Parliament
movement, Zhirayr Sefilian, and step down. The gunmen laid down their
arms following a two-week standoff with Armenian security forces which
left three police officers dead.
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 28 2017
Armenia’s abortion rate on the decline in recent years, doctor says
No cases of maternal mortality was recorded in Armenia in the past ten years as a result of sex-selective abortions, which is mainly linked to the use of contraception by Armenian women, an Armenian official told a news conference on Thursday.
Touching upon the prevalence of miscarriages, Gayane Avagyan, Head of Maternal and Reproductive Health Department of Armenia’s Ministry of Health noted that such cases range from 2500 to 2800 due to the introduction of new surveillance mechanisms.
“2235 miscarriages were recorded in 2016. The number of abortions prescribed by doctors have increased. If 300-400 such cases were reported ten years ago, now the number has reached to 1500-1700 in recent years. This means that fetal defects are possible to be detected early due to screening tests,” the doctor said.
Ms. Avagyan highlighted the mandatory three-day “reflection period” before the final decision on abortion, after which many woman abandon such a decision.
The speaker also reminded that pursuant to the Armenian legislation a health worker shall be fined by 80-100 fold of his/her salary for performing a sex-selective abortion. Regarding the individuals performing such a procedure, she said pharmacies sell medicine only by doctor’s prescription to restrict their activity.
“In general, a downward trend in abortions has been observed in recent years. If in 2000, the abortion rate per woman was 2.6, the figure reduced to 1.8 in 2005, 0.8 – in 2010 and 0.6 – in 2015. It is noteworthy that the number of abortions and childbirths have dropped among the teenagers,” the expert said.
Gayane Avagyan drew attention to the fact that around 70-80,000 women die annually around the work due to the complications from abortions.
She also noted that after capital Yerevan, high rates of sex-selective abortions are recorded in Gegharkunik, Aragatsotn and Ararat provinces, in case when the incidence of such cases is relatively low in Syunik, Tavush and Lori provinces.
Ms. Avagyan reminded that 100 girls are born per 115 boys in Armenia when the normal birth sex ratio of boys to girls is 105-100.
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 29 2017
Armenia First electric car assembled in Armenia displayed at DigiTec Expo-2017
The electric-powered car assembled in Armenia by National instruments and Armenian engineers was displayed today at the 13th Annual DigiTec Expo-2017 exhibition.
The car on display was unveiled at “Engineering city” pavilion that also featured different engineering and manufacturing devices to support the vehicle operation, including radars, cameras, laser scans, etc.
National Instruments representative Ruben Simonyan told Panorama.am Armenian carmakers have been inspired by the design of the modern-day electric vehicles since the 70s.
“Auto making is not new in Armenia with a first electro mobile manufactured the country in 1975,” Simonyan said, adding the machinery traditions have persisted to these days.
In the representative’s words, the company develops in two main directions - electric auto making and engineering solutions.
“As in all over the world, we are trying to develop those two directions in Armenia as well,” Simonyan said, adding “Engineering City” pavilion cooperates with a range of organizations with international reputation. He informed that Audi is one those companies that uses the company’s products.
In his words, despite the vast volumes of the orders they are more focused on developing the sector in Armenia. Simonyan is hopeful some they a full electric vehicle will be manufactured in Armenia. “We have both the knowledge and potential,” he stressed.
To note, an Engineering city is an ambitious project implying a construction of an engineering campus in Yerevan’s Jrvezh neighborhood where Armenian and foreign companies will have opportunity to develop and market their technological products and services.
EMax Health
Sept 28 2017
If You Are Vegan Go To Armenia On October 1 for Vegan Fest
By Armen Hareyan
Armenian cuisine is amazingly good and the big part of it is the richness of vegan and vegetarian options. On October 1, Armenia's capital Yerevan will host its 5th annual Yerevan Vegan Fest in downtown Yerevan.
The organizers of the Yerevan Vegan Fest have created a Facebook Event about Yerevan Vegan Fest inviting vegan people to join the festival. Entrance is free.
It reads "the moment you all have been waiting for, the 5th Vegan Fest Yerevan annual festival of animal liberation and healthy lifestyle will take place on October 1st 2017 in Mashtots Park (Near Margaryan hospital), starting at 1PM until late in the evening. The slogan of the festival is “Choose the life”. Its objective is to spread awareness about animal exploitation in our lives, promote healthy lifestyle and protect our planet from the unnecessary effects of animal agriculture.
"Different entertainment events will take place such as Musical performances, various games, sports and workshops about animal liberation and healthy lifestyle. You will surely have a chance to taste yummy vegan food alongside lots of wonderful surprises that you don’t want to miss at the Vegan Fest Yerevan. For more questions, suggestions or any type of help please feel free to contact Ani at +374-93-402-849. Free entrance for all."
Yerevan Vegan Fest
Yerevan is famous for its good street food and vegan restaurants. In fact, here are 10 restaurants in Yerevan that provide vegan food (Source: Trip Advisor ). If you are vegan, make Armenia as one of your holiday destinations to visit. I especially recommend trying the 10th. Which is probably world's only vegan fast food restaurant chain.
1. CRUMBS Bread Factory
431 reviews
#1 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ Cafe European Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options
“Clean, vegan, veggie, burger, organic” 05/05/2015
“... including vegan choices too, for lu...” 08/10/2017
2. Lavash.Restaurant
266 reviews
#2 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ European Georgian Armenian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“delicious” 09/27/2017
“Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at Lavash” 09/27/2017
3. The Club Yerevan
538 reviews
#3 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ French European Eastern European Armenian Contemporary Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“food” 09/22/2017
“An oasis in Yerevan” 09/21/2017
4. Dargett Craft Beer
215 reviews
#4 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ American Brew Pub Bar European Pub Eastern European Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options
“Delicious” 09/22/2017
“Hand Crafted Beer in Centre of Yerevan” 09/19/2017
5. Tospia Restaurant
166 reviews
#5 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ European Eastern European Armenian Middle Eastern Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“Perfect wont be enough” 09/25/2017
“Very good place, not standard menu and tas...” 09/13/2017
6. Tavern Yerevan
356 reviews
#6 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ European Middle Eastern Eastern European Armenian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“On the to do list for yerevan” 09/26/2017
“An awesome place” 09/25/2017
7. Anoush Restaurant
217 reviews
#7 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ European Armenian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“Best breakfast” 09/09/2017
“Affordable luxury” 09/08/2017
8. The Green Bean
394 reviews
#8 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ Cafe European Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“Great vegetarian and vegan friendly food” 12/28/2016
“Vegan friendly, Affordable and Nice Atm...” 11/21/2016
9. Vinograd
280 reviews
#10 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ European Wine Bar Eastern European Armenian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options
“Amazing food & wine” 09/21/2017
“Delicious” 09/15/2017
10. Zhinglyanov Hats (highly recommended by this author, tried myself)
100 reviews
#11 of 136 Results
$ Armenian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options
“Totally vegetarian/vegan if you skip th...” 06/10/2017
“The best zhingyalov hats you can find in Y...” 07/12/2017
The electric-powered car assembled in Armenia by National instruments and Armenian engineers was displayed today at the 13th Annual DigiTec Expo-2017 exhibition.
The car on display was unveiled at “Engineering city” pavilion that also featured different engineering and manufacturing devices to support the vehicle operation, including radars, cameras, laser scans, etc.
National Instruments representative Ruben Simonyan told Panorama.am Armenian carmakers have been inspired by the design of the modern-day electric vehicles since the 70s.
“Auto making is not new in Armenia with a first electro mobile manufactured the country in 1975,” Simonyan said, adding the machinery traditions have persisted to these days.
In the representative’s words, the company develops in two main directions - electric auto making and engineering solutions.
“As in all over the world, we are trying to develop those two directions in Armenia as well,” Simonyan said, adding “Engineering City” pavilion cooperates with a range of organizations with international reputation. He informed that Audi is one those companies that uses the company’s products.
In his words, despite the vast volumes of the orders they are more focused on developing the sector in Armenia. Simonyan is hopeful some they a full electric vehicle will be manufactured in Armenia. “We have both the knowledge and potential,” he stressed.
To note, an Engineering city is an ambitious project implying a construction of an engineering campus in Yerevan’s Jrvezh neighborhood where Armenian and foreign companies will have opportunity to develop and market their technological products and services.
EMax Health
Sept 28 2017
If You Are Vegan Go To Armenia On October 1 for Vegan Fest
By Armen Hareyan
Armenian cuisine is amazingly good and the big part of it is the richness of vegan and vegetarian options. On October 1, Armenia's capital Yerevan will host its 5th annual Yerevan Vegan Fest in downtown Yerevan.
The organizers of the Yerevan Vegan Fest have created a Facebook Event about Yerevan Vegan Fest inviting vegan people to join the festival. Entrance is free.
It reads "the moment you all have been waiting for, the 5th Vegan Fest Yerevan annual festival of animal liberation and healthy lifestyle will take place on October 1st 2017 in Mashtots Park (Near Margaryan hospital), starting at 1PM until late in the evening. The slogan of the festival is “Choose the life”. Its objective is to spread awareness about animal exploitation in our lives, promote healthy lifestyle and protect our planet from the unnecessary effects of animal agriculture.
"Different entertainment events will take place such as Musical performances, various games, sports and workshops about animal liberation and healthy lifestyle. You will surely have a chance to taste yummy vegan food alongside lots of wonderful surprises that you don’t want to miss at the Vegan Fest Yerevan. For more questions, suggestions or any type of help please feel free to contact Ani at +374-93-402-849. Free entrance for all."
Yerevan Vegan Fest
Yerevan is famous for its good street food and vegan restaurants. In fact, here are 10 restaurants in Yerevan that provide vegan food (Source: Trip Advisor ). If you are vegan, make Armenia as one of your holiday destinations to visit. I especially recommend trying the 10th. Which is probably world's only vegan fast food restaurant chain.
1. CRUMBS Bread Factory
431 reviews
#1 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ Cafe European Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options
“Clean, vegan, veggie, burger, organic” 05/05/2015
“... including vegan choices too, for lu...” 08/10/2017
2. Lavash.Restaurant
266 reviews
#2 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ European Georgian Armenian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“delicious” 09/27/2017
“Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at Lavash” 09/27/2017
3. The Club Yerevan
538 reviews
#3 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ French European Eastern European Armenian Contemporary Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“food” 09/22/2017
“An oasis in Yerevan” 09/21/2017
4. Dargett Craft Beer
215 reviews
#4 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ American Brew Pub Bar European Pub Eastern European Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options
“Delicious” 09/22/2017
“Hand Crafted Beer in Centre of Yerevan” 09/19/2017
5. Tospia Restaurant
166 reviews
#5 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ European Eastern European Armenian Middle Eastern Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“Perfect wont be enough” 09/25/2017
“Very good place, not standard menu and tas...” 09/13/2017
6. Tavern Yerevan
356 reviews
#6 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ European Middle Eastern Eastern European Armenian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“On the to do list for yerevan” 09/26/2017
“An awesome place” 09/25/2017
7. Anoush Restaurant
217 reviews
#7 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ European Armenian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“Best breakfast” 09/09/2017
“Affordable luxury” 09/08/2017
8. The Green Bean
394 reviews
#8 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ Cafe European Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
“Great vegetarian and vegan friendly food” 12/28/2016
“Vegan friendly, Affordable and Nice Atm...” 11/21/2016
9. Vinograd
280 reviews
#10 of 136 Results
$$ - $$$ European Wine Bar Eastern European Armenian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options
“Amazing food & wine” 09/21/2017
“Delicious” 09/15/2017
10. Zhinglyanov Hats (highly recommended by this author, tried myself)
100 reviews
#11 of 136 Results
$ Armenian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options
“Totally vegetarian/vegan if you skip th...” 06/10/2017
“The best zhingyalov hats you can find in Y...” 07/12/2017
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