IT & Telecom:

Half of Armenian population has access to Internet

Review of September 20-27 telecommunication and information technology events.

September 28, 2010
Internet World Stats usage and population statistics has published the results of Armenia-based survey as of June 2010. 1,396,550 Internet users (47.1% of the population) were reported in Armenia according to the Public Services Regulatory Committee.
Armenia and world:

Ilham Aliyev goes all lengths to retain power

Indiscriminateness in media resources and people has not recently been a problem for the Azeri mass media and politicians, who do not even know who to “use” for anti-Armenian propaganda.

September 28, 2010
Recent comments and statements of some Russian politicians on Karabakh, so broadly circulated by the Azerbaijani press, suggest that “something is rotten in the State of Denmark”, i.e. in Aliyev’s sultanate. The fact that such marginal people as Ilyukhin and Ostrovsky are called up to corroborate the doubtful stories about the conflict and the place of Azerbaijan, already speaks volumes.
Economy:

Does Armenian government combat inflation of stimulate it?

Unfavorable agricultural year and international market problems are named among the reasons of inflation.

September 25, 2010
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%.
Politics:

NKR’s independence is Armenia’s best achievement over past 19 years

Review of September 18-24 domestic events.

September 25, 2010
Karabakh, as usual, prevailed in political discussions during the past week. Director of Caucasus Institute, political analyst Alexander Iskandaryan said that no UN special representative is capable to facilitate the Karabakh conflict settlement. “The OSCE Minsk Group abolishment, far less its duplication in another instance will decelerate even the current process,” Iskandaryan told aPanARMENIAN.Net reporter. According to him, similar statements are propaganda rather than real attempts aimed at accelerating the conflict resolution. “Readiness for compromises is required for real facilitation,” Iskandaryan said.
Sport:

Meline Daluzyan wins bronze at World Weightlifting Championships

Review of September 16-23 sports events.

September 24, 2010
Weightlifting: Armenia’s Elen Grigoryan (53kg) finshed 12th at the World Weightlifting Championships, lifting 186kg in snatch, clean & jerk. China’s Chen Xiaoting won the division, lifting 222kg. Meline Daluzyan (69kg) won bronze. She lifted 251 kg in snatch, clean & jerk, gaining points for London 2012 Olympic Games. Russia’s Svetlana Shimkova won the 69kg division, lifting 256 kg.
Culture:

Armenia hosts the most delicious festival

The initiators of the barbecue fest promise a better organization next year.

September 22, 2010
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.
Society:

Armenians do not celebrate Navasard as national holiday because Hayk Nahapet was not Christian

Navasard had been one of the most popular holidays before Gregorian calendar took effect.

August 13, 2010
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.
 
---