The legend of rock, Deep Purple soloist Ian Gillan gave two charity concerts in Yerevan with the State Philharmonic Orchestra on March 26 and 27. The concerts proceeds will be spent on reconstruction of a music school in Gyumri.

Before looking for an “Islamic track” in terrorist acts around the world (and the Moscow explosions are no exception) it should be noted that by an unfortunate quirk of fate the blame for all terrorist attacks is shifted onto the followers of Islam. The latter are to blame even for those acts which they have not committed. The reason is probably the upsurge of Islamic radicalism, which began in the 70s and has been picking up speed since then.

The nine group winners and best runner-up qualify automatically. The eight remaining second-place teams play-off to decide the final four qualifiers. Ties take place between September 2010 and November 2011.

The RA law on social protection of disabled people ensures equal rights for all Armenian citizens. According to the law, any person, no matter whether he/she has physical or mental problems, is entitled to receive special education of all levels (from secondary to higher). Actually, inclusive education is available in a small number of schools and doesn’t often meet required standards.

Because of overdollarized Armenian economy, control over inflation is one of the main challenges Armenian government faces, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bank Armenia, Astrid Clifford stated. Inflation in Armenia remains high: price increase is observed in consumer market, caused by the impending price rise for energy carrier tariffs (gas price increase is expected on April 1); summer will see water price increase. Local forecasts are also unfavorable.

The week began with the Armenian President’s official visit to Syria. On March 22, on the invitation of his Syrian counterpart, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan arrived in Syria with his wife Rita Sargsyan in the frames of a three-day official visit.