Hakob Hakobyan: Armenian population not to experience tangible social hardship next yearNovember 26, 2009 - 16:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia's state budget will allocate AMD 240 billion for social programs in 2010, at the expense of capital construction programs, an official said. "However, the budget cuts will not result in reduction or even abolition of pensions or social allowances," chairman of the RA NA Committee on Social Affairs Hakob Hakobyan told a news conference on November 26. According to him, Armenian population will not experience significant social problems in 2010. " 2-3 per cent deterioration of living standards will be recorded among the social strata being under the state protection next year," he said. Mr. Hakobyan informed that negotiations are underway with the European Bank and the EU over 100-million euros funding to address social issues. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. |