Eurozone economic development better than expectedFebruary 5, 2013 - 14:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Further evidence has emerged that the economy of the 17 European Union countries that use the euro has started 2013 better than many people had expected, The Associated Press reports. Markit, a financial information group, says Tuesday, Feb 5, that its monthly purchasing managers' index for the eurozone's services sector — a closely-watched gauge of activity — rose to a ten-month high of 48.6 in January from 47.2 in December. Though the index remains below the 50 mark that would indicate expansion, the survey does echo findings elsewhere that the eurozone economy may be over the worst. Markit's equivalent manufacturing survey last Friday was similarly encouraging. Though figures next week are expected to show the eurozone remained in recession in the final quarter of 2013, there are hopes a recovery may take root by summer. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. |