Armenian News
RFE/RL Report
Government Says Planned Pension Rise To Ease Social Burden
Vazgen Khachikian, head of the state social security service
26.05.2010
Ruzanna Stepanian
The government hopes its plan to raise pensions in Armenia by more
than 10 percent in fall will help mitigate the effects of the price
hike affecting the most vulnerable groups of the country's population,
the head of the State Social Security Service said on Wednesday.
At a press conference Vazgen Khachikian added that more than half a
million pensioners in Armenia will get a meager raise to their
pensions in November.
The official said the number of pensioners who will see their monthly
pensions rise by 2,500 drams (about $6.5) makes 520,000 according to
the April estimations. He added that after this new increase the
minimum size of pension in the country will make 10,500 drams (about
$28) a month and the average monthly pension will reach 28,500 drams
(about $75).
The government earlier said it would raise the size of pensions to
alleviate the social burden of pensioners following the 37.5 percent
rise in natural gas prices for households on April 1. That rise has
also triggered some increase in the prices of consumer goods and
services.
Many pensioners in Armenia are still skeptical about government
intentions and say the meager raise to their pensions will not improve
their situation. They often ask government officials through media
whether they, too, could live off a monthly income of only 25,000
drams (less than $65) or so.
During the press conference, Khachikian acknowledged the difficulties
that pensioners in Armenia have to cope with, but countered that
`thankfully, no deaths from hunger have been registered in Armenia
yet, not even among pensioners.' He also disagreed with the widespread
opinion among pensioners and low-income groups of the population that
the salaries received by government officials in Armenia are `too
high'.
Khachikian said that while the president and the parliament speaker
receive monthly salaries of $1,050 and $790, respectively, `the
expenditures of the president and members of parliament are also
high.'
`Besides, we have 520,000 pensioners and only 130 members of
parliament and one president,' the official added.
Vazgen Khachikian, head of the state social security service
26.05.2010
Ruzanna Stepanian
The government hopes its plan to raise pensions in Armenia by more
than 10 percent in fall will help mitigate the effects of the price
hike affecting the most vulnerable groups of the country's population,
the head of the State Social Security Service said on Wednesday.
At a press conference Vazgen Khachikian added that more than half a
million pensioners in Armenia will get a meager raise to their
pensions in November.
The official said the number of pensioners who will see their monthly
pensions rise by 2,500 drams (about $6.5) makes 520,000 according to
the April estimations. He added that after this new increase the
minimum size of pension in the country will make 10,500 drams (about
$28) a month and the average monthly pension will reach 28,500 drams
(about $75).
The government earlier said it would raise the size of pensions to
alleviate the social burden of pensioners following the 37.5 percent
rise in natural gas prices for households on April 1. That rise has
also triggered some increase in the prices of consumer goods and
services.
Many pensioners in Armenia are still skeptical about government
intentions and say the meager raise to their pensions will not improve
their situation. They often ask government officials through media
whether they, too, could live off a monthly income of only 25,000
drams (less than $65) or so.
During the press conference, Khachikian acknowledged the difficulties
that pensioners in Armenia have to cope with, but countered that
`thankfully, no deaths from hunger have been registered in Armenia
yet, not even among pensioners.' He also disagreed with the widespread
opinion among pensioners and low-income groups of the population that
the salaries received by government officials in Armenia are `too
high'.
Khachikian said that while the president and the parliament speaker
receive monthly salaries of $1,050 and $790, respectively, `the
expenditures of the president and members of parliament are also
high.'
`Besides, we have 520,000 pensioners and only 130 members of
parliament and one president,' the official added.
PRESIDENT SARGSYAN OPENS NEW PARKING LOT IN YEREVAN
ARKA
May 24, 2010
YEREVAN
President Serzh Sargsyan participated today in the opening of a large
underground parking lot in downtown Yerevan.
The three-storey parking lot, was built under Freedom Square by Renco
Arm State company and can house 500 cars.
"I think a good job was done, "Serzh Sargsyan told reporters, adding
that the new parking lot will help take the brunt of cars parked on
central streets. He said all companies wishing to build such parking
lots in the city may count on the municipality's support.
Yerevan mayor Gagik Beglarian said smaller underground parking lots
will be built on Sakahrov and Charles Azanvour squares. The fee will be
between 100-500 drams per one car for an hour. Building this parking
lot cost a little over 4 billion Drams, mayor Beglarian said.
ARKA
May 24, 2010
YEREVAN
President Serzh Sargsyan participated today in the opening of a large
underground parking lot in downtown Yerevan.
The three-storey parking lot, was built under Freedom Square by Renco
Arm State company and can house 500 cars.
"I think a good job was done, "Serzh Sargsyan told reporters, adding
that the new parking lot will help take the brunt of cars parked on
central streets. He said all companies wishing to build such parking
lots in the city may count on the municipality's support.
Yerevan mayor Gagik Beglarian said smaller underground parking lots
will be built on Sakahrov and Charles Azanvour squares. The fee will be
between 100-500 drams per one car for an hour. Building this parking
lot cost a little over 4 billion Drams, mayor Beglarian said.
'LET'S SAVE THE LEOPARDS' ACTION TAKES PLACE IN YEREVAN
ArmInfo
2010-05-24 07:53:00
ArmInfo. "Let's Save the Leopards" action took place in Yerevan today.
The event was organized by WWF-Armenia and AWHHE. The program of
the action included different contests, concerts and theatrical
performances for children.
Head of WWF-Armenia Karen Manvelyan says that a leopard protection
program has been implemented in Armenia since 2002 with the support
of the Norwegian Government. An anti-poaching group acts in Shikahogh
preserve in the framework of the program. "We have also taken measures
to raise public awareness of this problem. By protecting leopards we
protect not only their habitat but also other rare species they prey
on," says Manvelyan.
Arevik National Park and Zangezur preserve were created by the
Government in the south of Armenia in 2009. "Such territories help
us to protect rare species," says Manvelyan.
Ecologists say that there hardly are 3 leopards left in Armenia.
ArmInfo
2010-05-24 07:53:00
ArmInfo. "Let's Save the Leopards" action took place in Yerevan today.
The event was organized by WWF-Armenia and AWHHE. The program of
the action included different contests, concerts and theatrical
performances for children.
Head of WWF-Armenia Karen Manvelyan says that a leopard protection
program has been implemented in Armenia since 2002 with the support
of the Norwegian Government. An anti-poaching group acts in Shikahogh
preserve in the framework of the program. "We have also taken measures
to raise public awareness of this problem. By protecting leopards we
protect not only their habitat but also other rare species they prey
on," says Manvelyan.
Arevik National Park and Zangezur preserve were created by the
Government in the south of Armenia in 2009. "Such territories help
us to protect rare species," says Manvelyan.
Ecologists say that there hardly are 3 leopards left in Armenia.
630 HA OF FOREST - 'GREEN' CONTRIBUTION TO FIGHT AGAINST
CLIMATE CHANGE IN ARMENIA
ArmInfo
2010-05-24 12:37:00
ArmInfo. The first stage of the programme on mitigation of consequences
of the climate change through recovery of forest landscapes will be
over in Armenia at late May.
As Head of WWF Armenia Karen Manvelyan told ArmInfo, 630 Ha of
forest were planted in Lori region of Armenia within the frames of
the programme which started in 2008. Noteworthy, the territories,
where land degradation is observed, were mainly selected for forest
plantation. "So, we succeeded to kill two birds with one stone:
create new forest territories and do our bit in the fight against soil
degeneration", K. Manvelyan said. solution of social problems of the
local residents through creation of new jobs has become another plus
of the programme. "Forest planting is not a self-purpose, as it is
necessary to tend the planted trees for three years more. We hope that
the second stage of the programme, which includes not only tending
of the new forest, but also reforestation work in Syunik region,
will start in 2010. It is of special importance, as rare species of
animals, including a leopard, registered in the Red Book, inhabit in
the South of Armenia", Manvelyan said.
As Director of Armenia Tree Project Mher Sadoyan said, 1million 890
thousand young plants were displanted in the territory of 630 Ha. "We
faced some difficulties during the programme implementation. For
example, it was difficult to find territories for forest planting,
as they had to meet some criteria, including close location to rural
communities. However, the main problem was a tight schedule for the
work performance", Sadoyan said. To note, the cost of the programme
makes up about 1.5 mln Euro. It is carried out by WWF- Germany,
WWF-Caucasus and WWF-Armenia in cooperation with Hayantar (Armenian
Forest) SNCO and Armenia Tree Project. The programme is financed by
the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation
and Nuclear Safety (BMU) by the agency of KFW Bank.
ArmInfo
2010-05-24 12:37:00
ArmInfo. The first stage of the programme on mitigation of consequences
of the climate change through recovery of forest landscapes will be
over in Armenia at late May.
As Head of WWF Armenia Karen Manvelyan told ArmInfo, 630 Ha of
forest were planted in Lori region of Armenia within the frames of
the programme which started in 2008. Noteworthy, the territories,
where land degradation is observed, were mainly selected for forest
plantation. "So, we succeeded to kill two birds with one stone:
create new forest territories and do our bit in the fight against soil
degeneration", K. Manvelyan said. solution of social problems of the
local residents through creation of new jobs has become another plus
of the programme. "Forest planting is not a self-purpose, as it is
necessary to tend the planted trees for three years more. We hope that
the second stage of the programme, which includes not only tending
of the new forest, but also reforestation work in Syunik region,
will start in 2010. It is of special importance, as rare species of
animals, including a leopard, registered in the Red Book, inhabit in
the South of Armenia", Manvelyan said.
As Director of Armenia Tree Project Mher Sadoyan said, 1million 890
thousand young plants were displanted in the territory of 630 Ha. "We
faced some difficulties during the programme implementation. For
example, it was difficult to find territories for forest planting,
as they had to meet some criteria, including close location to rural
communities. However, the main problem was a tight schedule for the
work performance", Sadoyan said. To note, the cost of the programme
makes up about 1.5 mln Euro. It is carried out by WWF- Germany,
WWF-Caucasus and WWF-Armenia in cooperation with Hayantar (Armenian
Forest) SNCO and Armenia Tree Project. The programme is financed by
the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation
and Nuclear Safety (BMU) by the agency of KFW Bank.
RFE/RL Report
Armenia 'Beats' Army Conscription Target
25.05.2010
Hasmik Smbatian
Armenia has fully met, and even exceeded, the target for enlistment to
its conscription-based army this spring, according to the country's
defense minister.
`We have exceeded this target during each conscription period for
already several years,' said Seyran Ohanian as he visited the
country's central military assembly point on Tuesday.
`Every citizen of the Republic of Armenia and every parent now treat
conscription with greater responsibility and pride. Solemn farewell
parties are even organized in many families, and we welcome this
attitude,' said the minister.
Under Armenian law, all male citizens aged 18 must serve in the army
for two years unless they suffer from serious illness or have two
children. Those who are enrolled in a state-run university are drafted
after they graduate. Deferment from military service is also granted
to a limited number of male students who pursue postgraduate or
doctoral studies.
Draft evasion was widespread in the early 1990s when Armenia was at
war with Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of
Nagorno-Karabakh. Thousands of draft-age men fled the country at that
time.
According to Armenia's military officials, the number of draft dodgers
has shrunk considerably in the past decade. However, army conscription
has also encountered the problem of `deteriorating demography'
reflecting the decrease in the birth-rates in Armenia in the early
1990s. The government has sought to improve the situation lately
through several initiatives, including the restriction of military
service deferment eligibility and granting amnesty to draft dodgers
provided they enlist for active military service or pay a hefty fine
if they are past the draft age of 27.
The health condition of young men drafted to compulsory military
service has been a separate concern of local specialists.
However, Health Minister Harutiun Kushkian, who also visited the
assembly point on the outskirts of Yerevan on Tuesday, noted progress
in the health conditions of the young draftees. `We have not heard
doctors talking about serious problems today,' he said.
`Unfortunately, heart diseases are now more common at younger age, but
we will look into this matter to identify the causes and to prevent
such diseases in the future,' the minister added.
Chief of the central military registration and enlistment office Gagik
Harutiunian described today's conscript in the Armenian army as `a
totally different one compared to what he used to be before.'
`Many problems have been solved in the army today, and this has
instilled confidence in parents and conscripts,' Harutiunian told
RFE/RL.
25.05.2010
Hasmik Smbatian
Armenia has fully met, and even exceeded, the target for enlistment to
its conscription-based army this spring, according to the country's
defense minister.
`We have exceeded this target during each conscription period for
already several years,' said Seyran Ohanian as he visited the
country's central military assembly point on Tuesday.
`Every citizen of the Republic of Armenia and every parent now treat
conscription with greater responsibility and pride. Solemn farewell
parties are even organized in many families, and we welcome this
attitude,' said the minister.
Under Armenian law, all male citizens aged 18 must serve in the army
for two years unless they suffer from serious illness or have two
children. Those who are enrolled in a state-run university are drafted
after they graduate. Deferment from military service is also granted
to a limited number of male students who pursue postgraduate or
doctoral studies.
Draft evasion was widespread in the early 1990s when Armenia was at
war with Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of
Nagorno-Karabakh. Thousands of draft-age men fled the country at that
time.
According to Armenia's military officials, the number of draft dodgers
has shrunk considerably in the past decade. However, army conscription
has also encountered the problem of `deteriorating demography'
reflecting the decrease in the birth-rates in Armenia in the early
1990s. The government has sought to improve the situation lately
through several initiatives, including the restriction of military
service deferment eligibility and granting amnesty to draft dodgers
provided they enlist for active military service or pay a hefty fine
if they are past the draft age of 27.
The health condition of young men drafted to compulsory military
service has been a separate concern of local specialists.
However, Health Minister Harutiun Kushkian, who also visited the
assembly point on the outskirts of Yerevan on Tuesday, noted progress
in the health conditions of the young draftees. `We have not heard
doctors talking about serious problems today,' he said.
`Unfortunately, heart diseases are now more common at younger age, but
we will look into this matter to identify the causes and to prevent
such diseases in the future,' the minister added.
Chief of the central military registration and enlistment office Gagik
Harutiunian described today's conscript in the Armenian army as `a
totally different one compared to what he used to be before.'
`Many problems have been solved in the army today, and this has
instilled confidence in parents and conscripts,' Harutiunian told
RFE/RL.
19a Koriun Street
Yerevan 0009, Armenia
Tel./Fax: 374 10 54 15 95
E-mail: info@vem.am
URL: www.vem.am
"From Ararat to Zion" Awarded at the Swansea Bay Film Festival, UK
The documentary "From Ararat to Zion" won the Best European Documentary
prize at the Swansea Bay Film Festival held on May 7-16 in Wales, UK. The
Festival ranks among the biggest in the UK and aims at providing a worldwide
public forum for independent and experimental filmmakers. The film was
nominated among other documentaries produced by filmmakers from France,
Germany, Netherlands, Spain, UK, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Israel and others.
Nevertheless, this spiritual and cultural self-identity card of the Armenian
nation proved to be 'hors concours'!
Other festivals where "From Ararat to Zion" has been selected for
screening can be seen at
http://www.fromararattozion.com/en/Screenings.htm
BBC article on the triumph of the documentary:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/southwestwales/hi/people_and_places/religion_and_ethics/newsid_8687000/8687228.stm
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