Turkey could never be accused of lack of morals and respect for sacred things and places, but what Devlet Bahceli did in the Cathedral of Ani does not really fit into any framework. Bahceli insulted not only Christians (who have long been accustomed to it, knowing the ideology of his party and that of him), but also Islam. Against this background, setting a cross on the dome of Holy Cross Church on Akhtamar more looked like mockery and challenge issued to the Armenians, especially the Armenian community of Istanbul.

Internet World Stats usage and population statistics has published the results of Armenia-based survey as of June 2010. 1,396,550 Internet users (47.1% of the population) were reported in Armenia according to the Public Services Regulatory Committee.

According to preliminary statistical data, Armenia’s GDP was 3.1% higher in January-August 2010 as compared with the same period in 2009. The RA National Statistical Service reported that GDP amounted to AMD 2,042,788,800,000. Besides, consumer prices were 7.7% higher in January-August 2010 as compared with the same period last year. The monthly inflation rate reached 1.3%.

Karabakh, as usual, prevailed in political discussions during the past week. Director of Caucasus Institute, political analyst Alexander Iskandaryan said that no UN special representative is capable to facilitate the Karabakh conflict settlement. “The OSCE Minsk Group abolishment, far less its duplication in another instance will decelerate even the current process,” Iskandaryan told aPanARMENIAN.Net reporter. According to him, similar statements are propaganda rather than real attempts aimed at accelerating the conflict resolution. “Readiness for compromises is required for real facilitation,” Iskandaryan said.

Weightlifting: Armenia’s Elen Grigoryan (53kg) finshed 12th at the World Weightlifting Championships, lifting 186kg in snatch, clean & jerk. China’s Chen Xiaoting won the division, lifting 222kg. Meline Daluzyan (69kg) won bronze. She lifted 251 kg in snatch, clean & jerk, gaining points for London 2012 Olympic Games. Russia’s Svetlana Shimkova won the 69kg division, lifting 256 kg.

The second barbecue festival was held in Akhtala, Lori region of Armenia, on Sunday, September 12. It was dated to two other events: re-consecration of Surb Mariam Astvatsatsin Church and inauguration of a monument to wedding rings.

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.