In a year since the date of promulgation of the Protocols on the Armenian-Turkish relations and opening of the Armenian border, the Armenian world has experienced lots of changes, which could have a major impact on the process development in future. One thing has definitely become clear over time: Armenia is not going to sacrifice its national values and security for pleasing someone, even despite the guarantees of the international community.

Armenia has been an IFC member and shareholder since 1995. IFC has been active in the nation over the years, with cumulative investments totaling $87 million in 18 projects across a range of industries. For the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010, IFC’s commitments in Armenia climbed to a record $35.3 million, in response to the global financial crisis. IFC complements its investment activity in Armenia with an active advisory program that focuses on banking development, sustainable energy and investment climate.

The past week’s debates focused on the protocol envisaging extension of the terms of Russian military base deployment in Armenia.

Wrestling: 7 Armenian wrestlers will participate in the World Wrestling Championships to take place between September 6 and 13 in Moscow. Chief coach of the Armenian Greco-Roman wrestling team Levon Julfalakyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter that Armenia will compete in all weight classes. The team includes: Olympic Games bronze winner, World Championships silver winner and European champion Roman Amoyan (weight class 55kg), Vahan Juaryan (weight class 60kg), Arman Adikyan (weight class 66kg), European champion Arsen Julfalakyan (weight class 74kg), Denis Forov (weight class 84kg), Sargis Tonoyan (weight class 96kg), Olympic Games bronze winner and European champion Yuri Patrikeev (weight class 120kg).

For dozens of centuries Armenians had been celebrating the New Year, Navasard, on August 11. Once a favorite popular holiday, it now became a topic of historians’ remarks or Armenian folklore only. “August 11 is the first day of the new year according to the ancient Armenian calendar. It was celebrated by all – the rich and the poor,” said ethnographer Gohar Vardumyan, senior fellow at the Armenian National Academy of Sciences.

An Armenian singer won New Wave song contest for the first time in nine years of its existence. Armenia was represented by Sona Shahgeldyan this year, as she passed through a selection round in April 2010. People had been talking about wonderful vocal of Sona and her unusual timbre for a long time. However, almost all representatives of Armenia were notable for their powerful vocal at the contest. Jury was traditionally delighted with Armenian artists, but each time they lacked several or even one point to win the contest. This refers also to Razmik Amyan, who participated in the contest in 2006, when everyone was speaking with admiration about the singer’s unique voice, but a representative of the U.S. won the contest. Almost the same thing happened to Mher, who participated in New Wave in 2008. He received the People’s Choice Award, but has not won the contest.