Armenian News... A Topalian... BBC Travel Feature
BBC Travel Feature
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20171004-why-armenians-love-strangers?ocid=ww.social.link.facebook
Armenianised Russian words
see attachment
EurasiaNet.org
Oct 3 2017
Clashes Over Church Raise Specter of Georgian-Armenian Strife
by Joshua Kucera
A clash over a contested church in a majority-Armenian part of Georgia has raised tensions and, many fear, set the stage for further ethnic conflict.
The clash took place in Kumurdo, a nearly entirely ethnic Armenian village in the region of Samtskhe-Javakheti bordering Armenia. The village is the site of at a tenth-century Georgian church, the Kumordo Cathedral, which has been undergoing reconstruction work by the Georgian Ministry of Culture.
In the course of that work some graves were found. Many Armenians believe that the church is in fact Armenian, and on September 30 a group of locals brought a khachkar -- a traditional Armenian stone memorial marker -- to the church to lay at the site where they believed their ancestors were buried.
They were not allowed into the church by police, and the situation escalated, with locals throwing rocks at the police, who called in reinforcements of special riot units. Four police officers were reported to be injured, and two locals were arrested. The situation was ultimately defused when Interior Minister Giorgi Mgebrishvili went to the village and met with local representatives.
In a region full of ethnic conflicts, the ethnic Armenians of Georgia (about five percent of the country's population according to the most recent census) have been relatively quiescent. But this incident raised fears that that may change.
The "clashes evoked gruesome memories of ethnic violence of the early 90s," wrote news website Democracy & Freedom Watch.
Inevitably, there were various charges that the clash was a "provocation." Many noted that the episode took place just ahead of municipal elections across Georgia. An MP of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and member of the Armenia-Georgia Friendship Group David Chichinadze told Public Radio of Armenia that it was a “provocation before elections.”
“There were people giving out money to villagers. This is certainly an issue to be solved by the church and clergymen, but there are certain people willing to politicize the issue,” Chichinadze said, without specifying who the provocateurs might be.
"Even the Armenians of Javakheti think that the Kumurdo people are 'problematic,'" said Georgian analyst Mamuka Areshidze. "Their reputation is not the best one. Kumurdo is a very criminogenic village. I do not exclude that the excessive 'passionarity' of the Kumurdo people is used by someone to worsen the situation and ignite the confrontation, using claims about the church."
Some, however, suggested that it was a provocation on the part of the Georgian police. "According to my sources, on the day of the incident the residents of Kumordo didn't intend to install the khachkar, but only to put it in a safe place in the churchyard" with the intention of installing it at the end of October, said Johnny Melikian, an Armenian expert on relations with Georgia. Melikian said the police overreacted. "In my opinion, a provocation took place. Clashes began, in the course of which the police used more force than was necessary, and then the riot police got involved," he said.
Whether or not it was a provocation, it is a worrying development. "This event is like a seed falling into an already well fertilized soil of xenophobia and especially Armenophobia, propogated by certain, especially pro-Russian, elements in Georgia," wrote Dmitry Avaliani, a Georgian journalist, on his Facebook page.
"A conflict is ready: from the Georgian perspective Armenians are seizing a Georgian church; from the Armenian side -- the opposite. All 25 years of independence, despite some small incidents, we've managed to avoid major conflict in Samtskhe-Javakheti," Avaliani continued. "Now there is every possibility of escalating the situation -- xenophobia that has been simmering for years, weakness of state institutions, the lack of a clear policy for regional development and ethnic minorities, and a great interest on the part of our northern neighbor, which enjoys complete freedom to carry out its subversive activities inside Georgia."
Avaliani concluded his post with a crucial point: "The only positive thing: spoiling relations with Georgia is not in Yerevan's interest." In spite of occasional tensions, and being involved in opposing geopolitical blocs (a Eurasian Union and Collective Security Treaty Organization member in Armenia's case, and a NATO and European Union aspirant in Georgia's), the two neighbors both need good relations with one another. And so this is unlikely to spread much further, no matter who might be provoking it.
Armenianised Russian words
see attachment
EurasiaNet.org
Oct 3 2017
Clashes Over Church Raise Specter of Georgian-Armenian Strife
by Joshua Kucera
A clash over a contested church in a majority-Armenian part of Georgia has raised tensions and, many fear, set the stage for further ethnic conflict.
The clash took place in Kumurdo, a nearly entirely ethnic Armenian village in the region of Samtskhe-Javakheti bordering Armenia. The village is the site of at a tenth-century Georgian church, the Kumordo Cathedral, which has been undergoing reconstruction work by the Georgian Ministry of Culture.
In the course of that work some graves were found. Many Armenians believe that the church is in fact Armenian, and on September 30 a group of locals brought a khachkar -- a traditional Armenian stone memorial marker -- to the church to lay at the site where they believed their ancestors were buried.
They were not allowed into the church by police, and the situation escalated, with locals throwing rocks at the police, who called in reinforcements of special riot units. Four police officers were reported to be injured, and two locals were arrested. The situation was ultimately defused when Interior Minister Giorgi Mgebrishvili went to the village and met with local representatives.
In a region full of ethnic conflicts, the ethnic Armenians of Georgia (about five percent of the country's population according to the most recent census) have been relatively quiescent. But this incident raised fears that that may change.
The "clashes evoked gruesome memories of ethnic violence of the early 90s," wrote news website Democracy & Freedom Watch.
Inevitably, there were various charges that the clash was a "provocation." Many noted that the episode took place just ahead of municipal elections across Georgia. An MP of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and member of the Armenia-Georgia Friendship Group David Chichinadze told Public Radio of Armenia that it was a “provocation before elections.”
“There were people giving out money to villagers. This is certainly an issue to be solved by the church and clergymen, but there are certain people willing to politicize the issue,” Chichinadze said, without specifying who the provocateurs might be.
"Even the Armenians of Javakheti think that the Kumurdo people are 'problematic,'" said Georgian analyst Mamuka Areshidze. "Their reputation is not the best one. Kumurdo is a very criminogenic village. I do not exclude that the excessive 'passionarity' of the Kumurdo people is used by someone to worsen the situation and ignite the confrontation, using claims about the church."
Some, however, suggested that it was a provocation on the part of the Georgian police. "According to my sources, on the day of the incident the residents of Kumordo didn't intend to install the khachkar, but only to put it in a safe place in the churchyard" with the intention of installing it at the end of October, said Johnny Melikian, an Armenian expert on relations with Georgia. Melikian said the police overreacted. "In my opinion, a provocation took place. Clashes began, in the course of which the police used more force than was necessary, and then the riot police got involved," he said.
Whether or not it was a provocation, it is a worrying development. "This event is like a seed falling into an already well fertilized soil of xenophobia and especially Armenophobia, propogated by certain, especially pro-Russian, elements in Georgia," wrote Dmitry Avaliani, a Georgian journalist, on his Facebook page.
"A conflict is ready: from the Georgian perspective Armenians are seizing a Georgian church; from the Armenian side -- the opposite. All 25 years of independence, despite some small incidents, we've managed to avoid major conflict in Samtskhe-Javakheti," Avaliani continued. "Now there is every possibility of escalating the situation -- xenophobia that has been simmering for years, weakness of state institutions, the lack of a clear policy for regional development and ethnic minorities, and a great interest on the part of our northern neighbor, which enjoys complete freedom to carry out its subversive activities inside Georgia."
Avaliani concluded his post with a crucial point: "The only positive thing: spoiling relations with Georgia is not in Yerevan's interest." In spite of occasional tensions, and being involved in opposing geopolitical blocs (a Eurasian Union and Collective Security Treaty Organization member in Armenia's case, and a NATO and European Union aspirant in Georgia's), the two neighbors both need good relations with one another. And so this is unlikely to spread much further, no matter who might be provoking it.
EurasiaNet.org
Oct 2 2017
Turkey Cool to Azerbaijan's Request for Extradition of Karabakh Visitors
by Bradley Jardine
Azerbaijan has asked Turkey to arrest and extradite four Turkish citizens who visited Nagorno Karabakh last month without Azerbaijani permission.
The case recalls that of Russian-Israeli blogger Alexander Lapshin, who was extradited from Belarus to Azerbaijan, imprisoned for seven months for the same offense, and released last month. Turkey, however, in spite of being a close ally of Azerbaijan has not shown much inclination to follow Belarus's example.
The Turks, all leftist politicians and activists, visited Karabakh last month in support of better relations between Turkey and Armenia, which remain frozen over the disputed territory, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but now controlled by Armenian forces.
"I think the border with Armenia should be unconditionally opened, as the most part of Turkish society support the normalization of relations with Armenia, opening the borders,” said one of the activists, Said Çekinoğlu, at a roundtable in the de facto Karabakh capital of Stepanakert.
But Azerbaijan, which sees Turkey as its greatest ally, took a different view. “The actions of these persons, known for their pro-Armenian position, do not reflect Turkey’s official stance,” said Prosecutor General Zakir Garalov in announcing criminal charges against the men. “They expressed support for PKK terrorist organization and propagated the establishment of an independent Kurdish state.” Azerbaijan has also said the men have been put on an “international wanted list,” but have not specified which list.
Turkey has responded noncommittally to the request for an extradition. “Turkey will continue to support Azerbaijan’s fair position on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Huseyn Muftuoglu said in a statement on September 30, without mentioning the extradition request.
In addition to Çekinoğlu, the group included former Turkish MP Ufuk Uras, writer and political commentator Ali Bayramoglu and an academic, Erol Katircioglu.
Turkey and Armenia lack formal diplomatic relations and their mutual border has been closed since 1993. There have been attempts to reconcile the two counties. In 2009, protocols brokered by the U.S. would have restored diplomacy and opened the border.
But the deal fell apart after opposition from both Azerbaijan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, then prime minister, who said any normalization would first require peace in Karabakh.
ARKA, Armenia
Oct 5 2017
Armenian government prolongs construction deadlines of two sections of North-South highway
The Armenian government has approved today a set of changes to the loan agreements with the Asian Development Bank on prolongation of the completion of the construction of the second and third sections of the North-South highway.
According to the government’s decision, the construction of the second section of the road stretching from Ashtarak to Talin was extended by 27 months (from June 30, 2017 to September 14, 2019), and the construction of the third section running from Talin to Gyumri was prolonged by 21 months (from December 31, 2017 to September 14 2019).
In late September communications and information technology Vahan Martirosyan said the total cost of building the North-South highway stretching from Armenia’s south to the north may exceed $2 billion.
The goal of 556 km-long North-South Transport Corridor project is to upgrade Armenia’s main corridor road as part of a broader thrust to improve connectivity, and boost trade, growth and livelihood opportunities in the Caucasus and Central Asia sub-regions. The first two sections of the North-South transport corridor opened in December 2015. The first section that stretches from Yerevan to Artashat has become a six-lane road, while the second section which is from Yerevan to Ashtarak has become four-lane road.
The transport corridor will stretch from the southern Armenian town of Meghri, on the border with Iran, to Bavra in the north on the border with Georgia. The North-South transport corridor will enable Armenia to mitigate the effects of the blockade imposed by Azerbaijan and Turkey.
Oct 2 2017
Turkey Cool to Azerbaijan's Request for Extradition of Karabakh Visitors
by Bradley Jardine
Azerbaijan has asked Turkey to arrest and extradite four Turkish citizens who visited Nagorno Karabakh last month without Azerbaijani permission.
The case recalls that of Russian-Israeli blogger Alexander Lapshin, who was extradited from Belarus to Azerbaijan, imprisoned for seven months for the same offense, and released last month. Turkey, however, in spite of being a close ally of Azerbaijan has not shown much inclination to follow Belarus's example.
The Turks, all leftist politicians and activists, visited Karabakh last month in support of better relations between Turkey and Armenia, which remain frozen over the disputed territory, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but now controlled by Armenian forces.
"I think the border with Armenia should be unconditionally opened, as the most part of Turkish society support the normalization of relations with Armenia, opening the borders,” said one of the activists, Said Çekinoğlu, at a roundtable in the de facto Karabakh capital of Stepanakert.
But Azerbaijan, which sees Turkey as its greatest ally, took a different view. “The actions of these persons, known for their pro-Armenian position, do not reflect Turkey’s official stance,” said Prosecutor General Zakir Garalov in announcing criminal charges against the men. “They expressed support for PKK terrorist organization and propagated the establishment of an independent Kurdish state.” Azerbaijan has also said the men have been put on an “international wanted list,” but have not specified which list.
Turkey has responded noncommittally to the request for an extradition. “Turkey will continue to support Azerbaijan’s fair position on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Huseyn Muftuoglu said in a statement on September 30, without mentioning the extradition request.
In addition to Çekinoğlu, the group included former Turkish MP Ufuk Uras, writer and political commentator Ali Bayramoglu and an academic, Erol Katircioglu.
Turkey and Armenia lack formal diplomatic relations and their mutual border has been closed since 1993. There have been attempts to reconcile the two counties. In 2009, protocols brokered by the U.S. would have restored diplomacy and opened the border.
But the deal fell apart after opposition from both Azerbaijan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, then prime minister, who said any normalization would first require peace in Karabakh.
ARKA, Armenia
Oct 5 2017
Armenian government prolongs construction deadlines of two sections of North-South highway
The Armenian government has approved today a set of changes to the loan agreements with the Asian Development Bank on prolongation of the completion of the construction of the second and third sections of the North-South highway.
According to the government’s decision, the construction of the second section of the road stretching from Ashtarak to Talin was extended by 27 months (from June 30, 2017 to September 14, 2019), and the construction of the third section running from Talin to Gyumri was prolonged by 21 months (from December 31, 2017 to September 14 2019).
In late September communications and information technology Vahan Martirosyan said the total cost of building the North-South highway stretching from Armenia’s south to the north may exceed $2 billion.
The goal of 556 km-long North-South Transport Corridor project is to upgrade Armenia’s main corridor road as part of a broader thrust to improve connectivity, and boost trade, growth and livelihood opportunities in the Caucasus and Central Asia sub-regions. The first two sections of the North-South transport corridor opened in December 2015. The first section that stretches from Yerevan to Artashat has become a six-lane road, while the second section which is from Yerevan to Ashtarak has become four-lane road.
The transport corridor will stretch from the southern Armenian town of Meghri, on the border with Iran, to Bavra in the north on the border with Georgia. The North-South transport corridor will enable Armenia to mitigate the effects of the blockade imposed by Azerbaijan and Turkey.
ARKA, Armenia
Oct 3 2017
Armenian airports report 24% surge in passenger traffic
Armenia’s international airport Zvartnots in the capital Yerevan and Shirak airport in the second-largest town of Gyumri recorded 1,922,183 passenger traffic movements in the first nine months of 2017, a 24% rise when compared to the same time span of 2016, the Main Civil Aviation Administration said. It said in September alone, the passenger traffic through two Armenian airports grew to 255, 010 people, exceeding the similar indicator of the previous year by 15.5%.
The Zvartnots airport was said to have handled in September this year 245 364 people, which is 11.2% higher than in the same month last year. The rise in the number of passengers handled in January-September of 2017 grew by 20.3% in comparison with the same period of the last year.
Cargo transportation through Zvartnots airport in the first nine months of 2017 amounted to 17,183 metric tons, which is 49.7% more than in the same period in 2016.
The Main Civil Aviation Administration said also that the passenger traffic through the Shirak airport in September 2017 amounted to 9,646 people. In the first nine months of 2017 it handled 65, 889 people. The number of take-offs and landings at Zvartnots and Shirak airports in the first nine months of 2017 surged by 21%, compared to the same period in 2016.
Currently Armenia has two operating airports – Zvartnots in Yerevan and Shirak in Gyumri, both run by Armenia - International Airports company in accordance with the 30-year concession management agreement signed with the Armenian government in 2001. Armenia - International Airports is owned by Eduardo Eurnekian, an Argentine entrepreneur of Armenian descent. --0---
ARKA, Armenia
Oct 3 2017
60.7% year-on-year growth in Armenia’s brandy output in Jan-Aug 2017
Armenia’s brandy output grew 60.7% in Jan-Aug 2017, compared with the same period a year before, to 18.4 million liters, the National Statistical Service reports.
According to the statistical report, wine output grew 35.2 percent to 5.1 million liters, while vodka output shrank 31.9% to 3.5 million liters.
Some 305,000 liters of champagne were produced in Armenia in Jan-Aug 2017 against 253,900 liters in Jan-Aug 2016 and 15.7 million liters of beer (9.6% year-on-year growth).
Whiskey output fell 17 percent to 849,700 liters.
Soft drinks grew 31.4% to 60.7 million liters.
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia
October 3, 2017 Tuesday
New export opportunities for Armenian wines: Major wine buyers from
6 countries visit Armenia
At the invitation of the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia, major
At the invitation of the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia, major
wine buyers from 6 countries of the world arrived in Armenia on a
four-day visit through the assistance of the Centre from the Promotion
of Imports from developing countries (CBI), the Armenian agriculture ministry
told Armenpress.
Wine sales specialists representing Poland, Lithuania, Belgium, the
Great Britain, the Netherlands and the Baltic countries, got
acquainted with the latest local wine production technologies and
features, the types of Armenian wine, the millennium-old traditions of
the Armenian wine-making in Vayots Dzor and Aragatsotn provinces. They
were accompanied by the expert group of the Vine and Wine Foundation
of Armenia.
They also visited certain Armenian wine-making factories where they
got acquainted with the production process, the main features and
production volumes of the factories. Practical discussions were held
with the owners and winemakers of the factories aimed at expanding the
volumes of Armenian wines in foreign targeted markets.
The guests were mainly impressed by the visit to Areni cave where they
were introduced on the history of Armenian wine-making traditions of
more than 6200 years. “Armenia is a very attractive country, I am very
impressed after visiting the cave. Your country has a great
wine-making history and huge export potential”, Yulia Maximovskayan, a
representative from the UK, said.
During the visit the buyers also attended the wine festival in
Artsakh, got acquainted with the types of the local wines, as well as
visited wine and brandy factories in Stepanakert.
At the end of the visit representatives of 16 Armenian wine-making
companies met with the buyers within the frames of B2B meeting
organized by the Foundation, wine tasting was held, as well as the
prospects of further cooperation, signing contracts and export were
discussed.
The buyers highly appreciated the Armenian wines, stating that they
are in full accordance with the demands of the international market.
By making regular invitations the Foundation aims at increasing the
recognition of Armenian wines among the importers, suppliers and other
representatives of trade of the targeted countries, as well as
boosting exports.
RFE/RL Report
Wine sales specialists representing Poland, Lithuania, Belgium, the
Great Britain, the Netherlands and the Baltic countries, got
acquainted with the latest local wine production technologies and
features, the types of Armenian wine, the millennium-old traditions of
the Armenian wine-making in Vayots Dzor and Aragatsotn provinces. They
were accompanied by the expert group of the Vine and Wine Foundation
of Armenia.
They also visited certain Armenian wine-making factories where they
got acquainted with the production process, the main features and
production volumes of the factories. Practical discussions were held
with the owners and winemakers of the factories aimed at expanding the
volumes of Armenian wines in foreign targeted markets.
The guests were mainly impressed by the visit to Areni cave where they
were introduced on the history of Armenian wine-making traditions of
more than 6200 years. “Armenia is a very attractive country, I am very
impressed after visiting the cave. Your country has a great
wine-making history and huge export potential”, Yulia Maximovskayan, a
representative from the UK, said.
During the visit the buyers also attended the wine festival in
Artsakh, got acquainted with the types of the local wines, as well as
visited wine and brandy factories in Stepanakert.
At the end of the visit representatives of 16 Armenian wine-making
companies met with the buyers within the frames of B2B meeting
organized by the Foundation, wine tasting was held, as well as the
prospects of further cooperation, signing contracts and export were
discussed.
The buyers highly appreciated the Armenian wines, stating that they
are in full accordance with the demands of the international market.
By making regular invitations the Foundation aims at increasing the
recognition of Armenian wines among the importers, suppliers and other
representatives of trade of the targeted countries, as well as
boosting exports.
RFE/RL Report
Meat, Butter Prices Soar In Armenia
October 03, 2017
Anush Mkrtchian
Retail prices of meat and butter in Armenia have risen by more than 20
percent in the last ten days, making these foodstuffs even less
affordable for a large part of the country's population.
Particularly drastic has been a surge in the price of pork. It stood
at roughly 2,600 drams ($5.4) in grocery stores and markets in Yerevan
on Tuesday, up from 1,600-1,800 drams in August. Beef and lamb prices
soared by 20-30 percent to 2,100 and 2,200 drams per kilogram
respectively.
Butter, which is mostly imported to Armenia from New Zealand and other
countries, was sold for about 4,000 drams per kilo, up from 2,800
drams less than two weeks ago.
Traders in a Yerevan food market, where prices are lower than in
supermarkets and smaller stores, said their sales have fallen
significantly because of the price hikes.
"We are embarrassed to tell the price to pensioners," one butter
trader told RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). "Butter is now
more expensive than meat," complained his wife.
Armenia's state anti-trust regulator, the State Commission for the
Protection of Economic Competition (SCPEC), blamed the increased cost
of butter on external factors. "Butter prices have risen in virtually
all countries of the world," said Gnel Alaverdian, head of the SCPEC's
analytical department.
"According to the main companies exporting butter from New Zealand,
international butter prices rose by over 130 percent between May 2016
and September 2017." he added. "This is an unprecedented price
hike. In the same period, retail prices of butter in our country rose
by only 44-50 percent."
Armenia is far less dependent on imports of meat. The SCPEC could not
explain the sharp rise in the prices of this foodstuff, saying that it
is not monitoring the domestic meat market.
According to the National Statistical Service (NSS), year-on-year
consumer price inflation in the country averaged less than 1 percent
in January-August 2017.
ARKA, Armenia
Oct 4 2017
Bulk of job vacancies in Armenia are for programmers
About 20% of job vacancies in the Armenian labor market are for programmers, 16% are for positions in trade and services sectors, 9% are for positions in advertising and marketing and 9% are vacancies for administrative and office workers. These findings were revealed today by the co-founder of staff.am website Luiza Avetisyan.
Presenting the results of a study conducted by staff.am at a news conference today she said the findings were based on statistics collected during the last 12 months. She added that most of the jobs -35%-are offered by IT companies, 12 % by banks, financial and insurance institutions , another 12% by trading companies, 7% by telecommunications companies and 6% by tourism companies.
Avetisyan added that the most active regional cities in terms of posted vacancies are Abovyan (17%), Dilijan (12%), Armavir (8%), Gyumri (8%), Martuni (8%) and Jermuk (6%). She said the vacancies in the regions are for positions in banks, financial institutions and telecommunications companies.
PanArmenian, Armenia
Oct 5 2017
TripAdvisor's compilation of 10 best restaurants of Yerevan
TripAdvisօr is constantly updating information on the best restaurants and cafes in the Armenian capital city of Yerevan, based on feedback from travelers and restaurant goers.
Dargett Craft Brewery in downtown Yerevan currently tops the list. A beer-lovers' hub, Dargett serves 20 types of craft beer, made with high-quality ingredients, best traditions of brewing and the latest technologies. Also, visitors enjoy pop, rock or country music and enjoy delicious food.
Next comes In Vino, the first wine club, merchant and bar in Armenia, offering more than 800 wines from Armenia and all over the world. Also, the club offers a wide range French, Italian, German, Greek, Danish and Armenian cheese, meats, olives, nuts and special desserts.
Lavash. Restaurant is the third favorite eatery among travelers and the residents of the city, which offers European, national Armenian, as well as long-forbidden dishes.
The Club is an uncommon combination of gallery, restaurant, tea room and a wine cafe. The real star here is the creative Armenian cuisine prepared with a French touch and served with truffle and paired wines.
Rounding out the top five is another wine house, Wine Republic. "Wine and dine, live happily" is the motto of this nice place which boasts a big variety of "the drink of the Gods."
Also included in the best 10 restaurants are Tavern Yerevan, CRUMBS Bread Factory, Anoush Restaurant, Vinograd and Black Angus Yerevan.
October 03, 2017
Anush Mkrtchian
Retail prices of meat and butter in Armenia have risen by more than 20
percent in the last ten days, making these foodstuffs even less
affordable for a large part of the country's population.
Particularly drastic has been a surge in the price of pork. It stood
at roughly 2,600 drams ($5.4) in grocery stores and markets in Yerevan
on Tuesday, up from 1,600-1,800 drams in August. Beef and lamb prices
soared by 20-30 percent to 2,100 and 2,200 drams per kilogram
respectively.
Butter, which is mostly imported to Armenia from New Zealand and other
countries, was sold for about 4,000 drams per kilo, up from 2,800
drams less than two weeks ago.
Traders in a Yerevan food market, where prices are lower than in
supermarkets and smaller stores, said their sales have fallen
significantly because of the price hikes.
"We are embarrassed to tell the price to pensioners," one butter
trader told RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). "Butter is now
more expensive than meat," complained his wife.
Armenia's state anti-trust regulator, the State Commission for the
Protection of Economic Competition (SCPEC), blamed the increased cost
of butter on external factors. "Butter prices have risen in virtually
all countries of the world," said Gnel Alaverdian, head of the SCPEC's
analytical department.
"According to the main companies exporting butter from New Zealand,
international butter prices rose by over 130 percent between May 2016
and September 2017." he added. "This is an unprecedented price
hike. In the same period, retail prices of butter in our country rose
by only 44-50 percent."
Armenia is far less dependent on imports of meat. The SCPEC could not
explain the sharp rise in the prices of this foodstuff, saying that it
is not monitoring the domestic meat market.
According to the National Statistical Service (NSS), year-on-year
consumer price inflation in the country averaged less than 1 percent
in January-August 2017.
ARKA, Armenia
Oct 4 2017
Bulk of job vacancies in Armenia are for programmers
About 20% of job vacancies in the Armenian labor market are for programmers, 16% are for positions in trade and services sectors, 9% are for positions in advertising and marketing and 9% are vacancies for administrative and office workers. These findings were revealed today by the co-founder of staff.am website Luiza Avetisyan.
Presenting the results of a study conducted by staff.am at a news conference today she said the findings were based on statistics collected during the last 12 months. She added that most of the jobs -35%-are offered by IT companies, 12 % by banks, financial and insurance institutions , another 12% by trading companies, 7% by telecommunications companies and 6% by tourism companies.
Avetisyan added that the most active regional cities in terms of posted vacancies are Abovyan (17%), Dilijan (12%), Armavir (8%), Gyumri (8%), Martuni (8%) and Jermuk (6%). She said the vacancies in the regions are for positions in banks, financial institutions and telecommunications companies.
PanArmenian, Armenia
Oct 5 2017
TripAdvisor's compilation of 10 best restaurants of Yerevan
TripAdvisօr is constantly updating information on the best restaurants and cafes in the Armenian capital city of Yerevan, based on feedback from travelers and restaurant goers.
Dargett Craft Brewery in downtown Yerevan currently tops the list. A beer-lovers' hub, Dargett serves 20 types of craft beer, made with high-quality ingredients, best traditions of brewing and the latest technologies. Also, visitors enjoy pop, rock or country music and enjoy delicious food.
Next comes In Vino, the first wine club, merchant and bar in Armenia, offering more than 800 wines from Armenia and all over the world. Also, the club offers a wide range French, Italian, German, Greek, Danish and Armenian cheese, meats, olives, nuts and special desserts.
Lavash. Restaurant is the third favorite eatery among travelers and the residents of the city, which offers European, national Armenian, as well as long-forbidden dishes.
The Club is an uncommon combination of gallery, restaurant, tea room and a wine cafe. The real star here is the creative Armenian cuisine prepared with a French touch and served with truffle and paired wines.
Rounding out the top five is another wine house, Wine Republic. "Wine and dine, live happily" is the motto of this nice place which boasts a big variety of "the drink of the Gods."
Also included in the best 10 restaurants are Tavern Yerevan, CRUMBS Bread Factory, Anoush Restaurant, Vinograd and Black Angus Yerevan.
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