Economy: Armenia sees economic growth and mortgage lending boostWeekly review of economic events. February 20, 2010 The GDP in Armenia grew by 2,4% in January 2010, compared with January 2009 results, to comprise AMD 149,5 billion. Politics: Armenian Foreign Ministry reminds Baku about occupied territories of Nagorno-KarabakhHome policy review for February 15-22 February 20, 2010 The previous week began with news conferences of various political forces of Armenia. As always, most active were representatives of the Republican Party of Armenia, the Heritage Party, and the ARF Dashnaktsutyun. Got into political life also the Armenian National Congress, which until then, preferred to work in the office. Armenia and world: Can Iran and Turkey force Russia and USA out of the region?As a peacemaker and a stabilizing factor, Iran could play a distinct role in the region. February 19, 2010 Judging by recent developments in the region, Iran has begun to play an increasingly important role in various processes, which not affecting the region directly, can change the overall pattern. As always, Russia was the ‘initiator’ of the new situation, holding up the delivery of the promised anti-aircraft missile systems S-300. Moreover, she did not do it for the first time, but after regular ‘consultations’ with the USA and Israel. ![]() Culture: ART-EXPO exhibition may open abroad in several yearsFebruary 8-15 overview of cultural events. February 18, 2010 ART-EXPO 2010 second annual exhibition was held in Artists' Union of Armenia on February 12. Over 50 cultural organizations and NGOs presented their achievements of the previous year. According to the organizers, the exhibition is a chance to introduce the achievements of Armenian art to public, to establish new links with International partners and to strengthen cultural cooperation between Armenian and international organizations. IT & Telecom: Armenian mobile market nears maturityMarket data indicates that growth is with the internet services market and we will continue to see high-speed mobile offerings here. February 18, 2010 Armenian mobile services market edged closer to full saturation in 2009, with nearly every working adult in the country of 3.2 million people having one or more mobile phones, and the number of mobile subscribers passing the 2,5 million mark. While the mobile operators say that there is still a lot of room to grow and compete, the question is – how exactly that competition will take place, and will the customers and the telecom sector benefit from the fight for market or otherwise. Society: Issue on existence of Armenology chair in Freie Universitat Berlin still openFreie Universitat Berlin management's decision on closing the chair of Armenian studies by the end of 2009 - 2010 academic year is still in force. February 8, 2010 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. | ![]() ![]() |