Economy:

Armenia takes a step forward in civilized society building

08.02-13.02 economic events overview

February 13, 2010
If the second wave of the crisis does not hit the world economy, Armenia's GDP in 2010 would change from -3% to +3 per cent, Manuk Hergnyan, chairman of the "Economy and Values” research center told a press conference on February 11 in Yerevan. However, according to him, the inflation rate within the current year can vary from 6 to 9 per cent.
Politics:

Armenian Parliament not to discuss Protocols until they are ratified by Turkey

Home policy review for 8-15 February 2010

February 13, 2010
Last week was marked by discussion and comments on the Armenian President’s message to his Turkish counterpart, and Serzh Sargsyan’s speech in the British Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House. This week, the President of Armenia also submitted to the Parliament the Armenian-Turkish Protocols.
Armenia and world:

In Chatham House President of Armenia says what he was supposed to

It is at least not serious to find some connotation in Armenian President’s invitation to London or, worse yet, try to find unfounded implications in his speech.

February 12, 2010
In normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations there has come a point after which any delay in the process or complete breakdown of it would be fraught with unpleasant consequences for all the interested parties both in the region and in the whole world. From this point of view Armenian President’s speech in Chatham House can be considered significant, as exactly on February 10 all the ways to a retreat were barred for Turkey.
Culture:

Armenia will join the world culture and introduce its culture to the world

Review of main cultural events for 1-7 February 2010

February 11, 2010
Last week it became known that world-famous filmmaker and musician Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra are to give a concert in the concert hall Aram Khachaturian of Yerevan on March 5. And if the news of this concert, initiated by Avangard Folk Club and the Ministry of Culture of Armenia, was a pleasant surprise to the Armenian public, people have known about the forthcoming concert of legendary rock band “Deep Purple” due in Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex on May 25 since the end of last year. However, the organizers - the company Vibrographus and ArmRosgazprom CJSC - found it important to note that the price for tickets would be rising since February 9, which probably will not become an obstacle for the Armenian audience to get in touch with world culture.
Society:

Issue on existence of Armenology chair in Freie Universitat Berlin still open

Freie Universitat Berlin management's decision on closing the chair of Armenian studies by the end of 2009 - 2010 academic year is still in force.

February 8, 2010
According to RA Ministry of Diaspora, there are 75 Armenology centers outside Armenia. However, not all of them are active due to lack of funds. The centers, which are mainly sponsored by Armenian funds and organizations, have appreciable achievements in Armenology development and national identity retention.
IT & Telecom:

Major Armenian IT and telecommunications companies release year-end statistics

Revenues from communications services (not including VAT, at current prices) totaled at 164 422 million Armenian drams in 2009, even as recession hit the Armenian economy in a year of global financial and economic crisis.

February 8, 2010
Meanwhile, according to data from Armenian National statistical service, revenues from provision of internet services more than tripled in 2009 reaching 10 404.2 million drams. Revenues from mobile communications services made 105 766.6 million drams, while fixed line phone service revenues closed at 40 341.2 million. Lucine Harutyunian, 19, was named the 200 thousandth subscriber of Orange-Armenia, having bought a SIM card in a shop. At an official event organized by Orange, she was presented with a notebook and a subscription to Orange’s “Internet Now” tariff plan.
 
---