Spain's Foreign Ministry has replied to the note of protest sent by Azerbaijan regarding opera singer Montserrat Caballe's visit to Nagorno-Karabakh.

APA quotes the Ministry as saying that such visits are paid on personal initiatives and do not change the official position of the state. It says that Spain recognizes the principle of territorial integrity like all other principles of the international law and supports the international community's efforts towards the peaceful solution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Caballe visited Nagorno-Karabakh on June 4. In response, Azerbaijan recognized her as persona non grata.

The International Finance Corporation (the "IFC", the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ("EBRD") delegations were in Armenia from June 3rd to 7th on a supervision visit to review the development of the Amulsar gold project. 

According to Geoteam's press service, IFC and EBRD are both major shareholders of Lydian International Limited- the parent company of Geoteam CJSC that in turn holds all the licenses of the Amulsar project in Armenia. 

The team consisted of Environmental, Social Development, Geology, Mining and Finance specialists from IFC and EBRD. They held working meetings with Lydian and Geoteam, met with several ministries in Armenia and visited the Amulsar site and the surrounding communities of Goryak, Saravan and Gndevaz as well as the town of Jermuk. They undertook a review of the current status of the environmental, social and ongoing technical work done by Lydian and Geoteam, as well as reviewing and discussing what still needs to be done for the project to be eligible to receive  project financing from the major international financial institutions who operate to the "Equator Principles". 

"The IFC chooses its clients, such as Lydian, in the mining industry very carefully. The most important criteria are the company's commitment to following good environmental and social standards. This is something that we monitor regularly with visits such as the one last week in Armenia. We have been impressed by the social programs Geoteam is supporting even at this early stage. We now look forward to the company's full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ("ESIA") that will allow all stakeholders to have a discussion on the risks and benefits of the project in an informed manner", said Robin Weisman, Principal Investment Officer at IFC. 

"The EBRD is committed to ensuring that its clients meet the highest standards of environmental and social performance. We are encouraged that Lydian and Geoteam are consulting with stakeholders and undertaking extensive studies as it prepares an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for Amulsar Mine development. We very much appreciated the opportunity to observe their ongoing activities this week, and we received valuable information in our meetings with national and local authorities and with NGOs. We look forward to reviewing the ESIA to verify it meets the requirements of our Environmental and Social Policy, and we look forward to the extensive public consultations the company is planning following disclosure of
the ESIA in the coming months", Jack Mozingo, Principal Environmental Advisor at EBRD said. 

Lydian and its subsidiary Geoteam remain committed to meeting all the environmental and social standards and requirements set by the IFC, EBRD and the "Equator Principles" and to set up an exemplary mining operation in Armenia that will benefit the country and the communities economically and that will set a high standard for environmental management.

In 2008 Armenia endorsed historic UN statement against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Brief information in local mass media had no public response unlike the latest initiative by Ombudsman of Armenia Karen Andreasyan, a bill against discrimination that was introduced in late May 2013. 

Today, the maximum buying rates at commercial banks of Yerevan were 409,5 drams for 1 dollar, 544drams for 1 EUR and 12,6 drams for 1 Russian ruble. The minimum selling rates stood at 411 drams for 1 dollar, 548 drams for 1 EUR and 12,7 drams for 1 Russian ruble .

 Yerevan Municipality has announced another open architectural contest for a conceptual protect of reconstruction of 5 squares in Yerevan: Labor Square, Sasuntsi David Square, Brazil Square, France Square, and Russia Square. Deadline for applications is Nov 15 2013. Architects, designers, sculptors, creative teams of architects and related professions, as well as architectural shops operating in Armenia may apply for participation. The first place prize is 1 million drams. The second place prize is 500,000 drams, and the third one - 250,000 drams.

To recall, the Municipality announced a similar contest for reconstruction of the Republic Square, which aroused discontent of architects. They say that reconstruction may damage the integrity of the square. In addition, they say the given contest, sale of the Foreign Ministry building and rumors on construction of an underground parking are interconnected. Architects are also concerned over possible overbuilding in the square.

 CJSC "Yerevan Jur" offers to decrease water supply tariff by about 5%, from the present 174.059 drams to 166.044 drams per square meter, for 2013-2014, press-service of the company told Arminfo. The company supplies water to Yerevan as well as Ararat, Aragatsotn and Kotayk regions of Armenia.

CJSC "Yerevan Jur" has applied to Public Services Regulatory Commission with an offer. According to the contract, till 2016 "Yerevan Jur" should reduce water tariff every year. Four following factors are taken into account when making the water tariff: inflation, electric power tariff, fluctuation in exchage and
water consumption volumes.

Today, on occasion of the 20th death anniversary of the National Hero of Armenia MonteMelkonyan, a group of civic activists gathered in front of the presidential residence with a black banner "You betrayed Monte's blood." Picketing the president's residence for some 1.5 hour, the activists left without
explaining the goal of their action.

Monte Melkonyan born in Visalia (November 25, 1957), California and educated at Berkely, was a famed Armenian military commander in the Karabakh war. He is credited for major military victories against Azerbaijan from 1992-1993. In April 1993, Melkonian was one of the chief military strategists who planned and led the operation to capture the region of Kalbajar, which lies between the Republic of Armenia and Karabakh. Armenian forces captured the region in four days of heavy fighting, sustaining far fewer fatalities than the enemy. Monte was killed in the abandoned Azeri village of Merzuli in the early afternoon of June 12, 1993, with controversial reports about the circumstances of his death. Monte was buried with full military honors on June 19, 1993 at Yerablur military cemetery in Yerevan, Armenia. His tomb is a popular place for visitors of Armenia to come and pay their respects to the great hero.

Armenia beat Denmark 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Copenhagen. The visitors took the lead after just 25 seconds when Simon Poulsen gave the ball away and Yura Movsisyan opened the score. Denmark almost hit back instantly but Dennis Rommedahl's chip was cleared off the line. He then rolled wide with just the keeper to beat before Armenia doubled their lead. Aras Ozbiliz was played onside and he finished past Stephan Andersen. The third came on the hour mark when Movsisyan was found on the left of the area and he finished into the far corner from a tight angle. It was four when Liverpool target Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored a solo effort.

"This is the worst evening in my football life," Denmark coach Morten Olsen said. "It is beyond my understanding that we cannot do better, but it is my fault 100 percent." Vardan Minasyan, Armenia coach says his team will be playing for victory in all the up coming matches.

"After the match vs. Malta our psychology has changed, we were depressed then. Today, we see the team we want to see always. This score is not a mere chance. After the first two goals, Denmark began attacking and we got a free space. The rapid goal was very important. I do not believe in mere chances. Even the result of the match vs. Malta was not a mere chance. Everything is characteristic. I did not care for the score, I cared for the team morale," Minasyan says.

Neither side is now out of the running for Brazil 2014 qualification. The result moves Armenia above Denmark into fourth place on goal difference. Both sides have six points and are eight adrift of Italy in top spot and four behind Bulgaria in second.

 The Iranian party is ready to show assistance for Karabakh conflict settlement, if Armenia and Azerbaijan apply for that, Iran's Ambassador to Armenia, Mohammad Reisi, told Armenian journalists today.

He also added that Iran is against the military settlement of the conflict and hopes it will be settled only through peaceful negotiations. The ambassador is sure that the best way to overcome disagreements is a dialogue between the parties to the conflict.

Expressing satisfaction with high-level bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey, the ministers said the two countries will continue mutual support within international organizations.

They also discussed the settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the situation in South Caucasus and Middle East.

 Winemaker Vernissage 2013 will be held on June 15 in Parakyar village, Armavir region, Armenia, Festival Areni Fund reports.

Factory and home-made wines, dried fruits and souvenirs will be exhibited at the event.  The vernissage is organized every year to preserve traditions and upgrade wine drinking culture, as well as to attract tourists.  Music and dances will accompany the event.

One of the deputies of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia has recently said that “Moscow will always raise gas price for Armenia to depend on it more and more”. Do you share such a viewpoint? How do you assess Russia’s policy regarding its only ally in the South Caucasus, Armenia?

 Newly elected Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan (Republican Party of Armenia) has just sworn in at the Yerevan Municipality, ArmInfo's correspondent reports from the ceremony.

Attending the ceremony are President of Armenia, RPA Leader Serzh Sargsyan, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, representatives of the government and the parliament. Earlier, Barev, Yerevan, Bloc that has 6 mandates at the city council refused to attend Margaryan's swearing in ceremony.  Representatives of Prosperous Armenia Party have attended the event.

Taking the office, Margaryan gave an oath to fulfill his duties and responsibilities fairly and conscientiously, to observe the Constitution and the legislation of Armenia, work for the welfare of the citizens and prosperity of the capital city.

After the swearing in ceremony, Martin Vardazaryan, honorable citizen of Yerevan, a member of the Elders Council of Yerevan, handed in the symbol of the mayor - encrusted chain- to Taron Margaryan.  In his speech, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said that elections to the Elders Council were a success. He thanked the citizens for their support to RPA, and Taron Margaryan.

"Margaryan and his team should further work hard and communicate with people to settle the problems in the city. I think, there are no irresolvable problems in Yerevan, there are just difficult tasks that can be settled through hard and consistent work," the president said.

Among Margaryan's achievements on the position of mayor, the president outlined beautification of the city yards.

 Today, the maximum buying rates at commercial banks of Yerevan were 411,5 drams for 1 dollar, 544drams for 1 EUR and 12,6 drams for 1 Russian ruble. The minimum selling rates stood at 412,5 drams for 1 dollar, 548 drams for 1 EUR and 12,8 drams for 1 Russian ruble

 Bosnia and Herzegovina supports Azerbaijan's "territorial integrity," Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan said at a
meeting with his vice speaker of Azerbaijani Milli Mejlis Ziyafet Askerov, on June 10.

"For that purpose, the House of Representatives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina passed a resolution supporting 'territorial integrity' of Azerbaijan," the foreign minister said.  Zlatko Lagumdzija said that the two countries have much in common to develop cooperation.

Armenian diplomatic sources do not comment on the reports.

"Oil and money is the key motive of the given decision of Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament," a diplomat told ArmInfo in return for anonymity.

On threshold of the season of summer passenger transportation, 344 tickets of the Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan 'Armenia' named train had already booked as of June 10 2013.  As compared to the same period of 2012, there is visible growth  - 200 tickets were sold as of June 10 2012.  In addition, 84 tickets have
been booked for the first train to run to Batumi on June 15 versus 77 tickets on June 10 2012.

Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan "Armenia" named train will run every day starting June 15 up to September 30, the official website of the South Caucasus Railway CJSC says.  The seasonal train will run everyday at 3:15. The travel time is 16 hours and 10 minutes. The carriages have been fully modernized and equipped with air conditioning system.

Solar hot water (SHW) systems will be widely used in Armenia within the coming year due to rising tariffs of gas and electric power, says Hayk Shekyan, expert in renewable energy.  He told media, Monday, that SHW will make it possible for the population and enterprises to save up to 2/3 of the funds they usual spend on gas and electric power. The expert said that large-scale production of Photovoltaic Solar Panels in Armenia can be competitive if the necessary metal and spare parts are imported on preferential terms.

Shekyan said that among alternative sources of energy, solar water heating panels are the most beneficial ones due to their optimal efficiency coefficient. He said that financial organizations of Armenia already offer leasing and credit services for acquisition of SWH systems. For instance, a family of 5 people will need a SWH system worth 300,000 drams (some $750, inclusive of installation). There are three companies producing such systems in the country.  Imported SWH systems cost nearly $1,500 inclusive of transport and customs costs. As regards photovoltaic power stations, the expert said, the period of return of investments in such stations is 15-20 years.

Hayk Khachatryan, Deputy Head of the Pure Energy NGO, said, in turn, that due to the geographic location, Armenia gets direct solar radiation within 80% of the daytime, while in Europe this index is 60%.  In Armenia 1 sq m of area receives 1700 watt of energy in average versus 1000 watt in Europe. Despite that fact, even the northern regions in Europe have significantly progressed in use of solar energy.

Khahcatryan warned that photovoltaic power stations occupy big areas. Therefore, it is expedient to install solar power panels on the roofs of buildings for local use of the generated electric power.

As regards other alternative sources of energy, Khachatryan said that in line with the surveys by Pure Energy NGO, the potential of energy generation on wind power plants in Armenia is 10,000MW annually, which is 10 times as much as generation at the Armenian NPP. He said that wind power plants should be built on highly mountainous areas and their construction is expensive.  He recalled that the only big wind power plant in the country is located in the Pushkin Pass, Lori region (2.6MW capacity). It was built in 2005 on a $3.5 million grant from Iran and generates electric power for 41.9 drams ($0.1) per KWh. There are also low capacity wind power plants that serve some villages.  Shekyan said that installation of new turbine equipment for 1 MW capacity wind power plants will cost $1-$1.5 million ($300-$400,000 for used equipment).

Khachatryan said that there is also big potential of thermal energy from underground thermal waters, specifically in Syunik region.

He thinks it necessary for the government to settle the problem of thermal isolation of buildings to prevent 20%-30% of heat loss.

Gas and electric power tariffs will rise 18.2% and 26.7%, respectively, in Armenia starting July 7 2013, the Public Services Regulatory Committee of Armenia adopted a relevant decision, Friday.  Head of the PSRC Department for Tariff Policy Garegin Baghramyan says that the Committee adopted the decision on the basis of ArmRusgasprom Company's application for revision of the gas tariff and satisfied it partially. Thus, the gas price for the consumers using up to 10,000 cu m of gas monthly will total 156,000 drams per 1,000 cu m instead of the current 132,000.  For those who consume over 10,000 cu m of gas monthly, gas tariff will rise to $276.98 instead of the current $243 per 1,000 cu m (up 14%).  PSRC adopted a decision to increase also electric power tariff as the expenditures of power generating
companies will grow.  Thus, in daytime, the electric power tariff for the population will make up 38 AMD per 1 kWh instead of the current 30 AMD and at nighttime the tariff will rise to 28 AMD instead of the current 25 AMD. For commercial users, the tariff will rise to 29-35 AMD per 1 kWh at daytime and 25 AMD at nighttime instead of the current 21-35 AMD per kWh daytime and 17 AMD per 1 kWh for nighttime depending on the volume of consumption.

By official statistics, in 2012 the share of electric power generation by heating power plants in total electric power generation, transmission and distribution (182.8 bln drams or $455.1 mln) totaled 45.1%. The share of HPPs in total power generation was 6.4% and that of the nuclear power plant is 9.8%. High-voltage power lines produce only 0.1% of total power generation, while power transmission and distribution totaled 38.6%.

The Sharjah-based United Arab Emirates national budget airline, Air Arabia, has announced the first direct flights UAE-Armenia.

According to ArmInfo's data, the first flight to Armenia is scheduled for August 19 2013. Another two flights Sharjah-Yerevan are scheduled for the same week: on Tuesday and Friday. The tickets will cost $164-$185.

Sharjah-Yerevan flight will become the 5th new flight of Air Arabia in 2013.  At the moment, Armenia is the only country in the South Caucasus the company makes regular flights to.

The Government adopted a conception to liberalize the air transportation field, on June 6.  At least three national air carriers will operate in Armenia to stiffen competition in the field of air transportation, Artyom Movsisyan, Head of the Chief Aviation Department of Armenia told media.  Movsisyan said that the Department
will announce tenders for flights for Armenian air carries within the coming months. In line with the adopted conception, the national air carriers will enjoy no privileges or exclusive rights unlike Armavia. (Armavia grounded flights on April 1 2013 and launched bankruptcy procedure).  He said that there are nearly 10-12 air companies in the country, but only half of them are licensed to organize passenger transportation.

Established on 3 of February, in 2003, as a result of an Amiri decree by Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al- Qasimi, Air Arabia is the Middle East and North Africa's first and largest Low Cost Carrier (LCC). The company offers flights to over 82 destinations spread across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe.

The latest statement by Matthew Bryza, the ex-co-chair of the OSCE MG, ex- ambassador of the USA to Azerbaijan, that linked the Karabakh peace process and the Armenian-Turkish normalization once again proves that Bryza promotes the cause of Azerbaijan and not the USA.  Hovhanness Sahakyan, Secretary of the
Republican Party of Armenia Faction in the Parliament, made such statement to ArmInfo. 

This is why the Senate refused to reappoint Bryza as ambassador to Azerbaijan, Sahakyan said.  He recalled another statement Bryza made when he was an employee at the US Department of State. "Then Bryza said that those two processes should not be linked," Sahakyan said.

He called it strange that Bryza hopes for good assessment of the upcoming presidential election by observers and not for their real compliance with international standards.

"Together with the Azerbaijani leadership Bryza is far away from the real state of affairs and the essence of the current processes," he said.

To recall, in his latest statement Bryza has linked normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations and the Karabakh conflict's resolution. He expressed hope that any breakthrough in one of the given processes will lead to a progress also in the other.

Azerbaijani customs officers confiscated a book from the head of the IWPR local office in Baku officially reasoning that it was "published in Armenia." Shahin Rzayev, the director of the local office of Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), Rzaev wrote about this on his page on Facebook. He also published the scan of the protocol.

"I announce with a sense of shame for the native state that at the border I had an unfortunate incident. Our customs officers confiscated a book of my colleagues written on the film shot by Tatul Hakobyan titled "Karabakh Diary. Green and Black." The official statement for confiscation was "for the fact that it was published in Armenia." Neither my license of journalist, nor my reasoning about the fact, that we must study the propaganda of our enemy in order to know how to answer them back work on them," he wrote on his wall.

According to Rzayev, the Azerbaijani customs officers replied that "the whole world already knows all about it."