If the situation in the South Caucasus is developing exactly as it is introduced to the public by Russian and Armenian mass media, quoting well-known political scientists and experts on Russia and Armenia, then it is high time for Baku to think about her situation and conduct. On the eve of parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan it is very difficult for Baku to change her policy of blackmail and threats against Armenia for something more constructive. And such a turn of events would be disastrous for the current Aliyev regime.

ArmenTel CJSC (Beeline trademark) has announced automatic activation of roaming service for Beeline postpaid subscribers in Artsakh. Earlier, the service activation in NKR cost AMD 15000 and 30000 for legal and physical persons respectively.

Yerevan will be hosting Fruitfull Armenia winemaking forum on September 16-17. World-known oenologist Michel Rolland, invited as a special guest, as well as other participants, will be sampling the whole range of Armenian wines presented. A winner will be selected among 21 companies as a result of sampling. The forum to be opened by RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan aims at promoting Armenian wine-making industry, implementation of new production technologies and search for marketing outlets.

The internal political events during the past week focused on the forthcoming visit of Russian President and informal summit of CIS leaders. The oncoming visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Armenia suggests positive development of Armenian-Russian cooperation, stated Eduard Sharmazanov, secretary of the Republican Party of Armenia.

For dozens of centuries Armenians had been celebrating the New Year, Navasard, on August 11. Once a favorite popular holiday, it now became a topic of historians’ remarks or Armenian folklore only. “August 11 is the first day of the new year according to the ancient Armenian calendar. It was celebrated by all – the rich and the poor,” said ethnographer Gohar Vardumyan, senior fellow at the Armenian National Academy of Sciences.

An Armenian singer won New Wave song contest for the first time in nine years of its existence. Armenia was represented by Sona Shahgeldyan this year, as she passed through a selection round in April 2010. People had been talking about wonderful vocal of Sona and her unusual timbre for a long time. However, almost all representatives of Armenia were notable for their powerful vocal at the contest. Jury was traditionally delighted with Armenian artists, but each time they lacked several or even one point to win the contest. This refers also to Razmik Amyan, who participated in the contest in 2006, when everyone was speaking with admiration about the singer’s unique voice, but a representative of the U.S. won the contest. Almost the same thing happened to Mher, who participated in New Wave in 2008. He received the People’s Choice Award, but has not won the contest.