The shortcoming of an imperial thinking is that even over several generations it remains a dominant way of thinking. Since 2003, with the advent to power of the Islamist Justice and Development Party led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has taken the path of reviving the Ottoman Empire, and these are neither empty nor fine words. What was done for the past 7 years is the direct evidence of it. The latest was the package of constitutional reforms which, according to still remaining Kemalists, aims to undermine the foundations of the secular state, laid by Mustafa Kemal.

With passions over the demolition of Moscow Cinema Open-Air Hall fading, Yerevan residents launched a collection of signatures against construction under way in the Student Park. A group of public activists made a statement, saying that “construction works carried out in the Park can transform the urban green belt into another ferroconcrete structure.” “We are ready to use all legal tools to rescue the parks of Yerevan,” people say.

Football: FC Pyunik scored a 4:0 victory over FC Banants in the final match for the Armenian Cup on May 10. After the match, Banants coach Stevica Kuzmanoski apologized to his club’s fans, saying: “We didn’t succeed today. The defense was too week and we failed the game.” Vardan Minasyan, Pyunik coach said, for his part, that it was not an easy match. “Although we were leading, we were tensed. Anyway, we showed a good game and I congratulate our players and fans,” he said.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Conference for Europe and Central Asia kicked off in Marriott hotel, Yerevan, Armenia, on May 13, with high-ranking officials from 41 FAO member countries, EU (Member Organization), observers from EU Council, UN and Holy See of Vatican participating.

The political week in Armenia started with debates on the Nagorno Karabakh problem.

The last week can be described as an Armenian international cultural week. Armenia welcomed participants of international festivals and hosted film screenings.

The entry of new fixed-line telephony operators to the Armenian market won’t result in reduction of ArmenTel’s tariffs. “The fixed-line telephony tariffs are determined by the Public Services Regulatory Commission. I see no connection between entry of a new operator and lowering of tariffs,” said Igor Klimko, Armentel CEO.