Armenia and world:

Visits of OSCE Minsk Group and CiO mean nothing to Baku: snipers remain in their positions

The regional visit of OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the OSCE CiO Audronius Ažubalis led to the intensification of anti-Armenian hysteria and military calls in Azerbaijan. If this is what the OSCE targets at, we can say that the organization has succeeded. It won’t be surprising if after the next visit of the officials there really breaks out a war in Karabakh. Then the blame will lie on Mr. Ažubalis and the organization that can afford to make didactic statements, not knowing whom these statements should be addressed to.

March 18, 2011
Meanwhile, oil companies and European countries say Aliyev will not start a war. But Azerbaijan is furnishing itself with as many arms as possible and at times it seems she’s going to fight not against the 140-thousand population of Karabakh, but with a country as large as Iran, including human resources and armament. However, it is also possible that in reality all these weapons are purchased for entry into Southern Azerbaijan, if suddenly the U.S. decides to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through military means. But now the international community has neither time nor inclination for Iran or Azerbaijan. To the Arab unrests there are also added the devastating earthquake in Japan, increased radiation, rising prices for food and much more that the world community really cares about. For some reason France decided to take on the role of the U.S., and now she’s going to bomb Libya. Why does Paris need it? The answer is indistinct, but, in any case, the Arab riots will, at best, result in another Iraq. Maybe this is why Aliyev is constantly speaking of war, taking advantage of the world situation.
Economy:

Armenian government to suggest legislative initiatives aimed at tackling inflation

The government will submit a Program of Sustainable Economic Development soon, which includes also poverty reduction.

March 5, 2011
Predictably, the inflation rate continues growing in Armenia and, according to forecasts, it will approach 10% in the first half of 2011. According to the updated statistical data, 1.9% inflation rate was recorded in Armenia's consumer market in February compared to January 2011. The inflation is basically conditioned by 1.5% and 3.4% growth in prices for foodstuff (including alcoholic beverages and cigarettes) and tariffs for services respectively. Prices for non-foods also grew by 0.6% during the reporting period.
Sport:

Armenian national weightlifting team for European Championships formed

Review of February 24 – March 3 sports events.

March 5, 2011
Chess: Armenia’s Elina Danileyan and Lilit Mkrtchyan won their 7th round games at FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series in Doha, Qatar. Danielyan continues dominating the tournament with 6.5 points. She is followed by Marie Sebag of France (5 points) and Humpy Koneru of India (4.5 points). Mkrtchyan climbed to the 7th place with 3 points.
Culture:

Almost all museums in Yerevan lack funds and attention

Local residents almost ceased going to museums, with exception for schoolchildren and students.

March 3, 2011
Almost all museums in Yerevan lack funds and attention
There are over 30 museums in Yerevan, most of them being under guardianship of the Armenian Ministry of Culture and National Academy of Sciences and almost all of them lacking funds and attention. Low salaries force employees quit.
IT & Technology:

Armenian users active on Twitter and Facebook, lose interest in blogs

Review of February 22-28 information technology and telecommunication events.

March 1, 2011
Supporters of the Armenian National Congress opposition bloc are using social networks to spread information about the future plans. Particularly, opposition activists have already launched Armenian Revolution of reform: March 1, 2011 page on Facebook to inform of the actions planned for March 1. They also created #1mar hashtag in microblog Twitter, where they inform of the mass rally dated to the 3rd anniversary of the March 1, 2008 events, when 10 people were killed and thousands injured. Armenian opposition follows the example of Tunisia and Egypt as well as other Arab states, where organizers of disorders employed social media to implement their plans.
Politics:

Social protest in Armenia: saddling a wave

The recent statements by the opposition demonstrate their intention to grab power on the wave of popular discontent.

February 26, 2011
All admit that Armenia is facing social discontent and division of the public. Despite the leadership’s resoluteness to struggle against these phenomena, social tensions grow and the recent statements by the opposition demonstrate their intention to grab power on the wave of popular discontent.
Society:

Abortion at home – a dangerous tendency among Armenian women

According to official statistical data, 10 149 abortions were registered in Armenia in 2009.

February 11, 2011
The National Security Strategy of Armenia describes low birth rate as one of the threats to the country’s national security.
 
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