Latest News In Armenia

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Armenian, Russian Prime Ministers meet in Yerevan

 

RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan received the delegation headed by the Head of Government of the Russian Federation Viktor Zubkov.

 

During the meeting PM Serge Sargsyan noted that Viktor Zubkov’s official visit to Armenia will become a new impetus for the development of Armenian-Russian relations, reinforcement and deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Viktor Zubkov conveyed the greetings of the Russian President and thanked for the invitation and warm reception.

 

The meeting of the Prime ministers was followed by consultations in an extended format, during which the delegations of the two parties discussed a broad framework of issues related to Armenian-Russian cooperation in different spheres.

 

Expressing appreciation for the bilateral cooperation and the development of relations, Serge Sargsyan and Viktor Zublov underlined that those are promoted by the warm friendly relations between the Presidents of the two states. The interlocutors specially emphasized the achievements in the field of economy: the volumes of commodity turnover, and the increase of Russian investments into Armenian economy. The parties stated, however, that the trade-economic relations still have a great potential for development. According to RA Prime Minister, the high level of political relations between the two countries demands to reach more in the filed of economic cooperation. In this context the parties attached importance to the productive work of the Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation.

 

After the meeting a number of documents were signed between the Governments of the two countries. Prime Ministers Serge Sargsyan and Viktor Zubkov gave a joint press conference.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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Russian PM impressed with the pace of economic development in Armenia

 

On February 6 Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Tigran Torosyan received the delegation headed by the Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov. The meeting was attended by Russian Ambassador to Armenia Nikolay Pavlov, Armenian Ambassador to Russia Armen Smbatyan, RA Minister of Trade and Economic Development Nerses Yeritsyan, RA Deputy Foreign Minister Gegham Gharibjanyan, other officials.

 

Greeting the guest, NA Speaker Tigran Torosyan highly appreciated the dynamically developing Armenian-Russian relations, noting that the achievements open new perspectives for the deepening and development of cooperation.

 

Mr. Torosyan attached importance to the cooperation with Russian in the regional context and noted that Armenia’s experience has shown that the development of relations with the Russian Federation promotes regional peace and stability and regional development.

 

It was noted that the parliamentary elections of 2007 in both countries and the forthcoming presidential create new opportunities for effective work, which must be utilized for the sake of fulfilling the programs targeted at the well-being of people.

 

Russian PM Viktor Zubkov noted he is impressed with the pace of economic development in Armenia. According to his assessment, the numbers will soon find their reflection in the living conditions. Mr. Zubkov stressed the importance of interparliamentary cooperation between the two countries, since parliaments play a great role in the relations between peoples.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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Russia remains the leading economic partner of Armenia

 

RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan declared during today’s press conference with his Russian counterpart Viktor Zubkov that Armenia and Russia intend to have the commodity turnover reach $1 billion. He noted that the Armenian-Russian commodity turnover reached $700 million at the end of 2007, and there is the opportunity to cross the margin of $1 billion.

 

Serge Sargsyan noted that transport communication is the only obstacle on the way of creasing the volume of trade between the two countries, and the transfer of the “Armenian Railway” Company to the trust management of the Russian side will have a considerable influence on the volume of work envisaged for the future. In this context Serge Sargsyan noted that an agreement has been reached on the supply of construction materials for the preparation of the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi.

 

Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov informed that an agreement has been signed on cooperation in the fields of information technologies and trade. An intergovernmental agreement has been signed on Armenia’s participation in the activity of the International Centre of Uranium Enrichment.

 

Viktor Zublkov declared that Russia remains the leading economic partner of Armenia. He noted that Russia is simultaneously the main foreign investor in Armenia. The Russian Prime Minister expressed the opinion that joint investment programs are rather successful, especially in the fields of nuclear energy, jewelry, and communications.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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President Kocharyan received Russian PM Viktor Zubkov

 

President Robert Kocharyan today received the delegation headed by the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Viktor Zubkov. The meeting was attended by RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan and other officials.

 

Appreciating the upward development of Armenian-Russian relations, the President said these have a brilliant perspective.

 

According to Robert Kocharyan, the economic ties have become the locomotive of bilateral cooperation, as a result of which the Russian capital has been involved in a number of branches of Armenian economy, powerful programs have been implemented and this involvement is expected to enlarge.

 

The President specially underscored the dynamically developing collaboration in the filed of infrastructures.

 

The parties noted that the commodity turnover that is approaching $1 billion and the results already achieved have created favorable preconditions for large-scale and promising programs. They associated the economic successes with the productive work of the Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation.

 

The interlocutors emphasized the importance of bilateral relations in humanitarian, cultura and educational spheres, as well.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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Principles of development of the South Caucasus and the Middle East into a common geopolitical unit discussed in Yerevan

 

The second international conference on “Countries of the Caucasus and the Middle East: Possible partners in the process of forming a regional security system” kicked off in Yerevan today. The conference organized by the World Armenian Congress featured RA Natioanl Assembly Speaker Tigran Torosyan, Deputy Foreign Minister Gegham Gharibjanyan, First Vice-President of the World Armenian Congress Aram G. Sargsyan, Director of the OSCE Office in Yerevan Sergey Kapinos, experts from Armenia, NKR, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, China, Palestine, Russia, Austria and Egypt.

 

Issues related to the principles of developing the South Caucasus and the Middle East into a new geopolitical unit were discussed during the scientific conference. The participants compiled a draft declaration as the first step defining the approach toward the integration process. The document includes common issues, the study of integration expectations, the risk potential and perspectives, formulation of options of solution of geopolitical issues.

 

Greeting the participants of the conference, RA National Assembly Speaker Tigran Torosyan noted he is glad to be present at an event, which is of great essence.

 

“The conference is really important not only because representatives of all our neighbor countries and farther friends are present here (globalization has considerably reduced distance and time) but also because a very important question has been posed: the unification of two regions and formulation of a security doctrine for the new region comprised of two components,” Tigran Torosyan said. He added that the issue itself may seem too complex and daring. However, one should not forget that solutions to a lot of issues seemed surprising, while the formulation of the issue seemed to be extremely unrealistic.

 

“Furthermore, we must not forget that the region with probably the most complete and the greatest potential, i.e. the territory including the countries of the European Union, was born in a situation, when World War II was just over, when France and Germany faced a number of problems, there was tension and every minute everyone was expecting new war. Under these circumstances the authorities of those two countries found a way out, which, I’m sure, no one else would think of. We see the result. Certainly, all of us would like this initiative to yield a similar result. However, even if it does not produce the result the authors expect, we will be able to state it was worth initiating, since it lays the basis for dialogue, and any good work is impossible without dialogue,” Tigran Torosyan said.

 

The Armenian Parliament Speaker wished productive work to the conference and to he future arrangements for the realization of the initiative. “I would be glad if in a while we could convene another conference in Yerevan to sum up the results and state that the unifying idea and the value system have been found. Nevertheless, I think that all countries of the region believe in such ideas and work for the sake of such ideas. In this case the most fantastic ideas can turn real,” Tigran Torosyan concluded.

 

RA Deputy Foreign Minister Gegham Gharibjanyan noted in his speech that at the end of the 20th and the start of the 21st centaury the two regions faced new challenges and developments of global importance. “Large-scale and deep changes are underway in all spheres, since the spread of globalization has increased the interdependence of the counties of the region and resistance to common challenges. Taking into consideration the current developments, it is necessary to ensure close relations with neighbor countries,” Gegham Gharibjanyan said.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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TELEPHONE BLOCKADE

 

Owing to “ArmenTel” Company the correspondents of “A1+” are deprived of telephone connection, which is vital for the operation of the agency . The phones of the “A1+” agency are disconnected despite the fact that the bills on the phones were paid.

 

“ArmenTel” ensures that the computer has disconnected the phones. It is worthwhile to mention, that an employee of “ArmenTel” once ensured “A1+” that after the introduction of billing system, the computer automatically disconnected those phones whose bills were not paid.

 

To the question why “A1+” was deprived of connection, employees of “ArmenTel” were unable to explain.

 

A1Plus

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“YEREVAN MAYOR IGNORES PRIME MINISTER’S DECISION”

 

“Go ahead Armenia, starving Armenia”, the victims of state needs mocked at the presidential candidate Serge Sargsyan’s slogan. They gathered in front of the Government building to meet the Prime Minister for the last time. Policemen did not allow the gathered citizens approach the Government building and tired to make them leave the Square. “It is cold, go home, you will get cold, you will not solve your problems standing here and crying”, urged the policemen.

 

“We will not leave until we meet the Prime Minister”, responded the demonstrators. Some officials arrived from the Municipality, among them Deputy Mayor Kamo Areyan, and offered the demonstrators to go to the Municipality and solve the problems there.

 

The residents of Dalma Gardens, North Avenue, Koghbatsi and Tigran Mets streets did not want to leave without getting any response from the Government and stood in front of the Government for 2 hours. They wanted to meet only the Prime Minister, since “the Mayor does not want to solve our problems”. “The Prime Minister ordered the Mayor to settle our problems. Some times later the Mayor told us: “I will not provide you with apartments. Turn to the one who has promised it to you””.

 

“Does it mean that the Mayor ignores the Prime Minister’s decision? The Mayor tells the Prime Minister as if he does his best to settle our problems”, said Vachagan Hakobyan, Chairman of the “Protection of Property Rights” NGO. The demonstrators noted that they did not trust anyone, since “they have been deceiving us for 4 years”.

 

Vachagan Hakobyan told “A1+” that they negotiated with the oppositional presidential candidates Levon Ter-Petrosyan, Arthur Baghdasaryan and Vazgen Manukyan. “If they do not solve our problems by the end of the week, we will join the opposition candidates and will fight against the authorities”, said Vachagan Hakobyan, noting that the authorities tried to detain him. “If something happens to me, the authorities and the police will be responsible for it”.

 

Serge Sargsyan did not receive the demonstrators since he was in the region of Lori. The participants of the protest action left the Square warning that if the Prime Minister did not meet them during the upcoming days, they would join the opposition parties.

 

A1Plus

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“NO BRAIN WASHING”

 

“Menq” youth movement organized a march in Yerevan streets with “No brain washing”, “No H1”, “Do not believe in H1” posters. They were holding a TV set, with the flags of 7 TV channels and with the logo of H1 and a big red cross on the screen of the TV set.

 

The young people were annoyed by the distorted news broadcasted by all TV channels on the gathering organized by Levon Ter-Petrosyan in Artashat. “That is why we have decided to protect our rights. We demand and urge the TV channels to provide information coming out their consciences and present the reality and not to obey to the authorities’ pressures”, said Arthur Minasyan, representative of “Menq” movement initiative.

 

According to the organizers of the action, all TV channels broadcast the news based on the mutual agreement with H1. During the action, the participants also disseminated Ter-Petrosyan’s leaflets with “We will win”, “Let’s clean the stables from bandits”, “We will taste the fruits of victory together on 19 February” slogans.

 

The participants of the march stopped in the Liberty Square, where they broke the TV set in the eyes of passers-by. This action symbolized distorted information, which did not promote the establishment of civil society and the constitutional order.

 

A1Plus

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Fists and rocks fly ahead of Armenian election

 

Tensions are rising in Armenia in the run-up to the presidential election. Mass violence has broken out at a rally in support of former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan in the city of Artashat.

 

A group of young men started throwing rocks and pieces of ice into the crowd and at the stage.

 

When Ter-Petrosyan’s supporters tried to stop them, fighting broke out and several people were injured.

 

The former president called the incident a ‘government provocation’ aimed at derailing his election campaign.

 

Armenian law enforcement officers say that during his speech the former president made offensive statements against his opponents, which sparked the disturbances.

 

The election is due to take place in two weeks.

 

Russia Today

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President instructs to launch probe into the case of fire at the Ministry of Justice

 

This night fire broke out at the premises of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia. About 30 fire-engines arrived at the site of the accident to extinguish the fire. The two upper floors were almost completely burnt. The Minister of Justice, the Prosecutor General and the Head of the Rescue Service immediately arrived at the accident site.

 

This morning President Robert Kocharyan instructed the law-enforcement bodies to carry out corresponding investigation to reveal the reasons of the fire. At the same time, President Kocharyan instructed the Armenian Government to undertake rapid measures to provide the Ministry of Justice with a new building to ensure the normal activity of the agency.

 

Robert Kocharyan appreciated the work of the fire brigade, due to which the penetration of fire into the premises of the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Administrative Building of the Court of Cassation was prevented.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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RA Minister of Transport addresses HayPost staff and opens another newly renovated post office

 

RA Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr. Andranik Manukyan, and Director General of HayPost, Hans Boon will officially address HayPost staff related to the RA government’s role and collaboration with HayPost and its upcoming yearly investments and objectives, during a staff assembly on February 12.

 

The Haypost staff meeting will be followed by an official opening ceremony of another newly renovated post office located at 19 Komitas Street.

 

The opening of another set of post offices in 2008 by HayPost will be one of the main objectives of the company and of the Trust Management to transform HayPost into a high quality postal and financial services institutions based on international standards. The renovated post offices which are satiated with modern operational technologies and retrained personnel will ensure that HayPost renders reliable and quality services, making HayPost a commercially viable company with an efficient and healthy IT network.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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CC DISMISSES ACTION

 

The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia dismissed Levon Ter-Petrossian’s action to recognize the obstacles posed in his way insuperable.

 

The CC decided,

 

1. the arguments submitted by the plaintiff do not ground to recognise the existing obstacles insurmountable for the candidate,

 

2. Under Article 102 of the RA CC, the decision is found definite and will come into force the moment it is published.

 

At the same time, the CC finds the actions of Levon Ter-Petrossian’s proxies law competent. They are driven by the criteria set by law.

 

A1Plus

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Ambassador of Oman presents his credentials to President Kocharyan

 

The Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman Al Sheikh Abdullah Ben Zahir Ben Sahiv Al Housni (seat in Moscow) presented his credentials to President Robert Kocharyan.

 

Emphasizing the importance of expanding the relations with the Arab world, the President said the cooperation with countries of the Gulf has considerably increased over the past years.

 

The parties expressed willingness to undertake concrete steps in the direction of development of collaboration between Armenia and Oman. In this regard the parties stressed the importance of organizing reciprocal visits, intensification of business contacts, exchange of information, which will help to clarify the possible spheres of cooperation.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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Oman interested in the development of political and economic ties with Armenia

 

On February 12 the newly appointed Ambassador of Oman Sheikh Abdullah Zaher Al-Hussni presented the copies of his credentials to RA Deputy Foreign Minister Gegham Gharibjanyan.

 

Greeting the Ambassador, the Deputy Foreign Minister wished him success in carrying out his high mission and expressed hope that Armenian-Omani relations will gain new quality in various spheres during his tenure in office.

 

Turning to the centuries-old friendship of Armenian and Arab peoples, the parties underlined that the interstate relations continue successfully developing on that basis. Mr. Gharibjanyan noted that the development of relations with the Arab world is one of the priority directions of Armenia’s foreign policy.

 

The Ambassador stressed the positive attitude of the Omani side to the further development of bilateral political and economic relations, particularly the implementation of investment programs.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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NA Speaker met with the Ambassador of Bulgaria

 

On February 12 Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Tigran Torosyan received the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Armenia Thodor Staykov.

 

Congratulating the Ambassador on appointment, Speaker Tigran Torosyan noted that traditionally friendly Armenian-Bulgarian relations are normally developing and there are new perspectives of deepening those. It was noted that the dynamics of development of economic ties is satisfying, although the numbers do not correspond to the existing capacities. Mr. Torosyan also appreciated the cooperation within international organizations.

 

The Ambassador of Bulgaria expressed willingness to promote the development of Armenian-Bulgarian relations. He noted that Bulgaria is ready to assist Armenia on the way of European integration. He informed the Armenian Parliament Speaker about the internal political situation in Bulgaria.

 

During the meeting the interlocutors discussed issues related to transport communication. Reference was made to Tigran Torosyan’s forthcoming visit to Sofia.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

[AK-47]

Oman interested in the development of political and economic ties with Armenia

Excellent, it's another good step at trying to gain Arab trust/support and repair our image in the Gulf where Azerbaijan has totally taken control of the information war.

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Yes sir - I was actually waiting for your reply on the subject!!!

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PM Serge Sargsyan met with the Ambassador of Iran

 

RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia Seid Ali Saghaian.

 

The Prime Minister first congratulated the Ambassador on appointment and expressed confidence that the relations between Armenia and Iran will continue developing with the same success during his tenure in office. Serge Sargsyan underlined that Iran has been and remains an important country for Armenia, the cooperation and friendship with which have deep historic roots.

 

Seid Ali Saghaian conveyed to Serge Sargsyan the warm greetings of the First Vice-President of Iran, Mr. Davudi. The Ambassador noted he numerously visited Armenia before his appointment and is well familiar with the developments in our country. He expressed willingness to do his best for the further deepening of relations between the two countries.

 

During the conversation the parties noted that the relations between Armenia and Iran,23specially in the fields of energy and transport, are developing rather dynamically, there are many opportunities for the development of cooperation in the spheres of science, technology, education, science, etc. Appreciating the level of bilateral economic relations, Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan and Ambassador Seid Ali Saghaian underlined that the volume of commodity turnover between the two countries does not correspond to the level of political relations and the existing potential.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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Armenian-Georgian talks on border demarcation to restart soon

 

Negotiations between Armenia and Georgia on border demarcation will restart in the near future. The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Georgia Vartan Oskanian and David Bakradze dwelt on the question during the meeting in Kiev, Press and Information Department of Georgia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed.

 

The parties also discussed issues of deepening the bilateral relations in the fields of economy, trade, transport and investments. Special attention was paid to the implementation of regional projects.

 

The Ministers spoke about the peaceful initiatives for solving the regional conflicts.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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Armenia and Britain willing to reinforce the bilateral relations

 

On February 14 the newly appointed Ambassador of Great Britain Charles Lonsdale presented the copies of his credentials to RA Deputy Foreign Minister Armen Baibourtian.

 

Greeting the Ambassador, the Deputy Foreign Minister wished him success in carrying out his high mission. Speaking about the current level of Armenian-British relations, Mr. Baibourtian noted that Armenia attaches importance to the process of development of Armenian-British relations and is determined to reinforce and deepen the bilateral ties with Great Britain.

 

During the conversation the newly appointed Ambassador also appreciated the active collaboration between Armenia and Britain and assured that he will spare no effort to reinforce the bilateral relations.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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Something is going to happen these couple of years in Armenia, but I don't know what... I have a very strong and weird feeling about this, Armenia is making new and stronger relations with a lot of powers in the world, and they are not holding a breath for a second to think twice... they are accepting as many agreements as possible and as fast as possible... Something is going to happen - I just have a bad feeling... I am not saying it is not good for Armenia, perhaps it is for the best, but soon, very soon we will hear about it!!!

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EU interested in continuing the stable partnership with Armenia

 

On February 14 the Head of the European Commission Delegation to Armenia Raul de Luzenberger presented the copies of his credentials to RA Deputy Foreign Minister Armen Baibourtian.

 

Greeting the guest, Deputy Foreign Minister Baibourtian wished him success in carrying out his mission in our country. During the meeting the parties discussed a number of questions, particularly the current stage and perspectives of implementation of the Action Plan of the European Neighborhood Policy. Reference was made to the forthcoming presidential elections in Armenia.

 

Ambassador Raul de Luzenberger noted that the EU is interested in continuing the stable partnership with Armenia, which is evidenced by the opening of the EU Delegation in Armenia. He expressed hope that the country will continue moving towards universal democratic values.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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Ara Abrahamyan awarded "Marshal Baghramyan" medal

 

On February 14 RA Defense Minister Michael Harutyunyan received the delegation led by the Chairman of the Union of Armenians of Russia and the World Armenian Congress Ara Abrahamyan.

 

Minister Harutyunyan greeted the guests, highly appreciating Ara Abrahamyan's contribution to the improvement of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia. The gusts stated that the Congress and the Union are greatly interested in regional developments. The Minister noted that the role of the organizations in the above-mentioned processes is essential.

 

At the end of the meeting Michael Harutyunyan conferred a "Marshal Baghramyan" medal on Ara Abrahamyan for the assistance to the Armed Forces of Armenia.

 

The interlocutors exchanged views on a number of issues related to regional security and stability.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

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Speaker Tigran Torosyan invited to Tehran

 

On February 14 Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Tigran Torosyan received the newly appointed Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia Seid Ali Saghaian.

 

Congratulating the Ambassador on appointment, the Parliament Speaker gave a high evaluation to the Armenian-Iranian relations, qualifying these as developing, irrespective of the regional and international developments. Mr. Torosyan turned to the trade-economic relations, the unprecedented development of which evidences those relations between the two countries yield good results. He said the cooperation of the two countries is exemplary in the region and the world as a friendly cooperation of two states practicing two different religions. The Speaker expressed confidence that the Ambassadors work will greatly promote the development of relations between the two countries and offered his assistance in parliament-related matters.

 

Iranian Ambassador Seid Ali Saghaian noted he will do his best for the development of interstate relations. The Ambassador conveyed the greetings of the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Golam Ali Haddad-Adel and reconfirmed the invitation to pay an official visit to Tehran.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

 

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US Office of Defense Cooperation upgrades English Language Laboratory

 

US Charge’ de Affaires, a.i. Joseph Pennington and Armenian Minister of Defense Michael Harutyunyan inaugurated the recently upgraded language laboratory at the Aviation Institute in Yerevan on Friday, Februay 15. The US Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) provided the $93,000 upgrade which featured fifteen new desk-top computers. The new computers will enable Armenian military students that use the English language laboratory to individually utilize language learning software. Each student station is networked to the instructor’s computer to provide flexibility for instruction. The laboratory, which was originally set up by the US contractor Dal Media Solutions in 2006 and funded through ODC at a cost of $92,000, is already equipped televisions, CD players, and DVD/VHS players to help students learn English. Its purpose is to prepare Armenian military personnel for study in U.S. military training facilities. About twenty-five Armenian officers and sergeants attend military courses each year in the US though the ODC’s International Military and Education (IMET) program. This same program, currently funded by the US State Department, is what also provided the funding to upgrade the laboratory

 

The new lab upgrade will help fulfill the joint goal of the US ODC and the Armenian Ministry of Defense to centralize English language instruction standards, and develop an intensive English language course to support Armenian military personnel preparing for their studies in the US. The ODC plans to provide an American English language instructor later in the year to assist with instruction and English course standards.

 

The US Office of Defense Cooperation in Armenia works to foster US government and industry assistance in the Armenian defense sphere. The US ODC works for the US Chief of Mission in Armenia and the US European Command, located in Stuttgart, Germany.

 

Public Radio of Armenia