This photograph taken in Yerevan in 1926 tells the story of an Armenian family from Van villayet of the Ottoman Empire. Aram O. Manukyan (in the center), Haykanush (left to him), Mariam (right to him), their daughters Arshaluys and Mayranush… Three years later, third daughter Siranush was born.

Armenian-Turkish process that started exactly a year ago is now over, or in the words of the Armenian President - suspended. However, what really matters is the essence and not the definitions given to this process. In the current reality it is too early to speak of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, and there are several reasons for it. Let us leave aside the question of Turkish recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire, as it is, so to speak, a permanent stumbling block between the two countries.

Hockey: Armenian hockey players win silver at Division III World Championship which took place in Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex from April 14 to 18. In the first round, Mongolia vs. North Korea match ended 22:1. Armenia beat the South African Republic 9: 2, wining all three periods. On April 15, Armenian ice-hockey players beat North Korea 7:6. South African Republic vs. Monglolia match ended 12:1. Ending the final match vs. North Korea 2:5, Armenian hockey players won the Championship silver. South African Republic won bronze, defeating Mongolia.

2010 promises to be the year of rebirth of Armenian cinematography, according to Gevorg Gevorgyan, director of the Armenian National Film Center. “The ANFC will present 35 movies at Cannes festival movie market,” he told a news conference in Yerevan. As he stated, 8 animated films, 4 documentaries, 12 debuts, 3 short and 8 full length films will be screened at Cannes International Film Festival on May 12-23.

Prices for Internet services may go down in 2010, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said during the 10th anniversary congress of the Union of Information Technologies Enterprises (UITE) on April 14. He said the government will address problems persisting in the field.

It was found out that under the crisis conditions the Armenian small and medium enterprises (SME) have assumed the basic load of tax payments, as numerous complaints were received from them with respect to the increased number of inspections by tax services. The government’s image was undermined once again and it caused Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan’s concern. He addressed his discontent to the RA Ministries of Finance and Economy, which have not fulfilled their obligations properly. Thus, the reforms implemented by the government to minimize personal relations between tax bodies’ and business’ representatives have not yielded results. Is it possible that the reformers do not hurry to implement them, aiming to line their own pockets in the end?

Main political events of last week started with April 5 interview of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan to Der Spiegel.