According to preliminary statistical data, Armenia’s GDP was 3.1% higher in January-August 2010 as compared with the same period in 2009. The RA National Statistical Service reported that GDP amounted to AMD 2,042,788,800,000. Besides, consumer prices were 7.7% higher in January-August 2010 as compared with the same period last year. The monthly inflation rate reached 1.3%.

On September 21 in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations there happened what should have happened long before: Senators Barbara Boxer and Robert Menendez placed a “hold” on U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan nominee Matthew Bryza. Nothing extraordinary happened; just on the contrary, it would be strange if Bryza passed the approval process on sight.

The second barbecue festival was held in Akhtala, Lori region of Armenia, on Sunday, September 12. It was dated to two other events: re-consecration of Surb Mariam Astvatsatsin Church and inauguration of a monument to wedding rings.

Electronic resources protection was in the limelight of heads of libraries, museums, archives and media during the past week.The issue was discussed at a round table in Yerevan, with electronic material copyright protection, information maintenance, creation of library and museum database as the main topics.

The past week started with debates on expedience of recognition of Nagorno Karabakh’s independence by Armenia. According to Caucasus Institute Director Alexander Iskandaryan, such move will change nothing in the negotiation process but will have a strong impact on internal political life of Armenia.

Football: Football Academy opened in Yerevan on September 1 with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and UEFA President Michel Platini participating in the ceremony. According to FFA President Ruben Hayrapetyan, the project cost $12 million of which $ 7 million 475 thousand was allocated by the UEFA and $400 thousand by FIFA. The territory of the Academy covers 13 thousand m2. It has 5 playing fields, 2 pools and several gyms. “UEFA built many academies in Europe but the one in Yerevan is special,” Mr. Platini noted.

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.