“We refuse to perform in a country, notorious for mass killings and massacres of Armenians, a country where hatred for Armenian people is a part of governmental policy, a country banning the entrance of any person of Armenian nationality regardless of citizenship,” the statement said.

The performers reiterated their distrust for Azeri security guarantees, citing the murder of Gurgen Margaryan at the hand of Azeri officer at Budapest-hosted NATO seminar.

The Armenian singers stressed willingness to participate in Eurovision with other country selected as a host, as well as intention to take part in future contests.

Number of poor people increased by 270,000 in Armenia during the last two years, as a result of the 2008-2009 economic downturn. Currently there are 1.2 million poor people in Armenia, publication on social image of Armenia and poverty by the Armenian National Statistical Service for November reads.

Poverty level made 35.8% in Armenia last year, as compared to 27.6% in 2008. Extreme poverty level made 3.0%, as compared to 1.6% in 2008.

Over 54% of Armenian population was considered poor in 2004.

People, whose monthly allowance is below AMD 33,500 ($90), are considered poor

ISTANBUL. – Turkish press widely covered Taraf daily’s columnist Roni Margulies’ funny story about three unlucky Turks, who were found guilty of wearing Emporio Armani t-shirts and thus carrying out Armenian propaganda.

In his article, Margulies presents the three Turks’ self-defending speeches made in the court. “…a merchant asked me why I’m wearing that t-shirt and called the police…I don’t think I was making propaganda,” said the first defendant.

The second defendant noted that he already gave testimony to the gendarmerie, insisting: “I didn’t have ulterior motives…That t-shirt is a very well-known Italian brand…I don’t find myself guilty.”

The third defendant likewise did not find himself to be guilty, underscoring that the t-shirt was a gift from his mother, since it is a famous Italian brand.

The article also notes that the three translators, who had come as a result of a public announcement by Town Hall of Avsha Island, where this incident occurred, confirmed that Emporio Armani means “Armenian Empire,” and subsequently the defendants were sentenced to life in prison.

Roni Margulies also wrote this story might sound improbable, but stated that, aside from the court ruling, rest of the story is completely true.

Most likely, the decline is conditioned by growth of supply ahead of new school year. Sales totaled $2.45 million.

The exchange offices purchase US dollar at the rate of AMD366.5/$1 and sell at the rate of AMD368.5/$1.

Colonel Stepan Karakhanyan, Ohanyan’s close friend, was arrested the other day as well. Karakhanyan appropriated petrol intended for work of police in Armenia’s regions.

Earlier, colonel’s arrest provoked rumors about future arrest of Margar Ohanyan.

Georgian parliament on Tuesday session amended Civil Code. It partially eliminated the legal status, which has been previously granted to some religious communities including Armenian Apostolic Church.

According to new amendments, religious communities have right to register as religious organizations, but the rest of the licenses were cancelled, founder of Armenian Assembly of Tbilisi Arnold Stepanyan . Stepanyan told that this consensus lessened inner political tension between Georgian authorities and Georgian Orthodox Church to the detriment of Armenian Apostolic Church. Previously it inspired hopes to claim for taking back Armenian churches. However, new law buried all hopes.

According to Armenian-Georgian representative, increase of anti-Armenian disposition coincided with visits of Armenian Catholicos and Armenian FM. However, it is strange that only Armenians faced such complaint, as amendments in the law referred also to Catholic, Baptist churches and Jewish, Muslim communities.

Earlier Armenian News-NEWS.am informed that Georgian parliament made amendments in Civil Code on July 5 and granted legal status to Armenian Apostolic and other churches. Georgian Patriarch Ilya II was against the decision.

Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) of Georgian diocese welcomes the decision of the Georgian parliament to grant legal status to five religious organizations including AAC.

“This step is typical to a democratic state. Not only AAC but also other religious communities have expected such status to be granted for decades,” head of AAC Georgian diocese bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan told Radio Liberty.

Previously AAC enjoyed de-facto recognition by Georgian authorities, Patriarchy and Georgian community. However, if the parliament passes the bill, it will grant significant privileges. Armenian Church can gradually gain the right of property for the churches that were previously under the disposal of the Georgian Ministry of Culture, the bishop added.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, Georgian parliament passed amendments to Civil Code on July 1. According to the amendments, five religious unions will be granted legal status. Organizations enjoying legal status are independent from the state control and can perform political, official, social, enlightening, cultural and other public activities. The second and last reading for the bill is scheduled for July 6.

Joint communiqué between Georgian and Armenian churches was not signed during the visit of Catholicos of All Armenians to Georgia. Working process and comparison of positions still continue, reported Metropolitan Gerasim, the head of foreign affairs department of Georgian Patriarchate.

He dismissed the reports saying it was the Armenian side which allegedly refused to sign the communiqué and marked that both sides should determine their positions, reports Georgia online.

Earlier, a number of Georgian media outlets reported that the communiqué was signed, which allegedly stated that the parties are entering a new phase, implying a determination of the legal status of the Armenian church in Georgia and Georgian Church in Armenia.

The visit of the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II to Georgia lasted from June 10 to 15.

Several dozens of opposition supporters, friends and relatives of the prominent oppositionist welcomed Pashinyan outside the Artik penitentiary, chanting: “Nikol, Nikol.”

Pashinyan was among several prominent opposition figures who went into hiding in March 2008 following a government crackdown on supporters of former president Levon ter-Petrosyan demanding a re-run of a disputed presidential election.

He surrendered to the authorities in July 2009 and was subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison for organization of mass riots that left 200 people injured and 10 killed in downtown Yerevan.

Former member of the Armenian parliament Sasun Mikaelyan, who was convicted in the March 1, 2008 case, was released earlier today.

In his opening remarks, Armenian Minister Seyran Ohanyan said that the defense reforms are aimed at creating more flexible and modern defense system, which meets the current strategic requirements and is based on democratic principles of governance, defense planning and civil control.

At the same time, Ohanyan noted that it is important to strengthen the strategic deterrence system, which is aimed at continuation of the RA Armed Forces’ policy of peace enforcement.

First Deputy Minister of Defense David Tonoyan presented the results of the current stage of defense reforms and further plans. Tonoyan said that reforms need to be implemented in the field of military education to ensure long-term development of the RA Armed Forces.

Summarizing the meeting results, Seyran Ohanyan estimated positively the previous stage of the defense reforms and gave relevant instructions to the command of the RA Armed Forces General Staff and Defense Ministry, the RA Defense Ministry’s press service reported.