The Armenian National Assembly debated the bill on introduction of amendments and addenda to the Law On Television and Radio supposing digitalization of TV and radio transmission. The amendments concern transfer to digital data broadcast (BBD), what will allow to secure efficient usage of coverage area, unification of information networks and compatibility of technical tools. Licenses will be issued though tenders. Digital data broadcast network is a integral system of multiplexers and relevant infrastructures which enable TV and radio broadcasting. The system is supposed to be state-owned. The first tender will be held on July 20, 2010. 18 TV channels will be selected, with licenses taking effect January 20, 2011. The transition period will last till July 20, 2013. The next tender will be held in 10 years. 4 radio stations will also be digitized.

On May 18, the International Museum Day, Armenian museums opened their doors for visitors again, with the slogan Museums for Social Harmony. Director of the International Council of Museums Office in Armenia, Hasmik Haroyan, said that the principle of social harmony is in the availability of museums, exhibits, entire cultural heritage for all groups of population, including disabled people.

The parliamentary elections in the Republic of Artsakh reaffirmed the absolute reluctance of Azerbaijan to enter into negotiations with the main party to the conflict. Naturally, no one expected the elections to be recognized or, at least, to go unnoticed. Everything was as usual: Baku once again declared that the election contradicted the Constitution of Azerbaijan, the observers “did not have the permission of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry to visit the occupied territories”, etc. In short, nothing new.

Weightlifting: Armenia’s Smbat Margaryan, (weight class 56kg) won gold at the European Youth Weightlifting Championships, which kicked off in Valencia, Spain, on May 17. Margaryan lifted 240kg in snatch, clean and jerk combination. Another gold medal went to Vladik Karapetyan (weight class 62kg). Karapetyan lifted 253kg in the snatch, clean and jerk combination, taking the lead over the Azerbaijani and Turkish weightlifters – Firudin Guliyev and Emre Buyukunlu.

The National Statistical Service has published the data for January-April 2010, according to which, 7.2% GDP growth was recorded in Armenia as compared with the same period of 2009. The GDP amounted to AMD 777.6bln in April. Besides, 8% growth was recorded in consumer prices in the reported period as compared with the 2009 index.

Armenian politicians started the week with comments on Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Iran and Azerbaijan.

With passions over the demolition of Moscow Cinema Open-Air Hall fading, Yerevan residents launched a collection of signatures against construction under way in the Student Park. A group of public activists made a statement, saying that “construction works carried out in the Park can transform the urban green belt into another ferroconcrete structure.” “We are ready to use all legal tools to rescue the parks of Yerevan,” people say.