In normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations there has come a point after which any delay in the process or complete breakdown of it would be fraught with unpleasant consequences for all the interested parties both in the region and in the whole world. From this point of view Armenian President’s speech in Chatham House can be considered significant, as exactly on February 10 all the ways to a retreat were barred for Turkey.

Last week it became known that world-famous filmmaker and musician Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra are to give a concert in the concert hall Aram Khachaturian of Yerevan on March 5. And if the news of this concert, initiated by Avangard Folk Club and the Ministry of Culture of Armenia, was a pleasant surprise to the Armenian public, people have known about the forthcoming concert of legendary rock band “Deep Purple” due in Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex on May 25 since the end of last year. However, the organizers - the company Vibrographus and ArmRosgazprom CJSC - found it important to note that the price for tickets would be rising since February 9, which probably will not become an obstacle for the Armenian audience to get in touch with world culture.

According to RA Ministry of Diaspora, there are 75 Armenology centers outside Armenia. However, not all of them are active due to lack of funds. The centers, which are mainly sponsored by Armenian funds and organizations, have appreciable achievements in Armenology development and national identity retention.

Meanwhile, according to data from Armenian National statistical service, revenues from provision of internet services more than tripled in 2009 reaching 10 404.2 million drams. Revenues from mobile communications services made 105 766.6 million drams, while fixed line phone service revenues closed at 40 341.2 million. Lucine Harutyunian, 19, was named the 200 thousandth subscriber of Orange-Armenia, having bought a SIM card in a shop. At an official event organized by Orange, she was presented with a notebook and a subscription to Orange’s “Internet Now” tariff plan.

The Armenian parliament debated amendments and changes to a number of laws: On Taxes, On Budget System and On Local Self-Government. The revision of the list of local taxes caused a heated debate among MPs. In particular, representatives of Prosperous Armenia offered to organize additional hearings, involving all interested stakeholders to finalize this package of legislative initiatives.

The internal political life of Armenia acquired its former course, and the past week was marked by the visits of a number of distinguished guests from neighbouring countries. Yerevan hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, Prime Minister of Georgia Nikoloz Gilauri and Mayor of Moscow Yuri Luzhkov. The week was also devoted to various estimates by political forces and experts concerning the trilateral meeting between the Presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia in Sochi.