July 19 marked the beginning of negotiations on Associative Agreement between Armenia and the European Union. The beginning of negotiations clearly outlines the frames and format of the upcoming cooperation of Brussels with Yerevan, Tbilisi and Baku. Of course, it will seem strange to an average citizen that parallel with its recent and rather ambitious initiative of “Eastern Partnership” the EU suddenly decides to start another project in the region. However, the associative agreement never means that Europe opens up its gates and hurries to accept new members. Taking into account the post-recession condition in the EU member-states, Brussels alertly treats its eastern neighbors’ aspiration for joining the “European club”.

Wrestling: on July 21, Armenia’s Greco-Roman wrestler Arthur Alexanyan (weight class 84kg) won the champion’s title at Junior World Wrestling Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Earlier, Armenia’s Alexan Mikaelyan (weight class 60kg) won bronze.

The political week in Armenia started with congresses of the Armenian National Movement and Armenakan Ramkavar-Azatakan party. On July 17, Yerevan hosted the 16th congress of the Armenian National Movement. In his remarks, Armenia's first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan said that Armenia’s economic development is impossible without resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and normalization of relations with Turkey. Ter-Petrosyan also voiced confidence that the key to Armenian-Turkish reconciliation is in Russia’s hands.

The results of the first half of 2010 indicate that global economy is growing at a slow pace, including markets of the U.S., Europe, Russia and China. Meanwhile, 15% unprecedented growth was recorded in China. Indices of stock exchanges also prove the growth in global economy. Moreover, anti-crisis governmental programs are implemented consistently.

President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan met General Manager of Karabakh Telecom CJSC Ralph Yirikian to discuss the company’s investment policy, tariff revision as well as humanitarian programs carried out in the republic. Artsakh Republic Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan was also attending.

In the study of ancient civilizations Armenia often remained on the sidelines, as if she had not been involved in major historical turnovers. The researchers’ interest was almost always confined to the territory of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. But, naturally the “factor” of Armenia could not be excluded in the formation of ancient civilizations. There is much evidence to prove it. Nevertheless, for one reason or another Armenia, yet, was left out from the list of possible leaders.

The 1988 events in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, shocked the entire Armenianhood. Dozens of people were slaughtered, majority of them after tortures and severe beatings. Over 200 apartments were robbed and burnt. Thousands of refugees remained homeless. This year changed the lives of many people. 27-year-old Manvel Yeghiazaryan was not an exception…