Armenia is welcoming guests from various countries, with travel agents summing up the results of the first half-year.

On July 2, Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan met with OSCE MG Co-chairs, Ambassadors Bernard Fassier of France, Robert Bradtke of the U.S. and Igor Popov of Russia as well as Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk, who arrived in Yerevan after visiting Artsakh Republic. The parties exchanged views on the situation at the line of contact between NKR and Azerbaijani armed forces. Minister Ohanyan hailed the mediators’ endeavors for achievement of a peaceful and acceptable settlement to the conflict.

The widely-advertised policy of the Turkish Foreign Ministry - “zero problems with neighbors” - is, in fact, more applicable to Armenia than to Turkey. Except for the total absence of relations with Azerbaijan, Armenia is in relatively better terms with her neighbors than Iran, Georgia or Turkey. Moreover, Armenia has managed to maintain normal relations with the world powers, which in itself is very important. For such a small country without natural resources and with problematic neighbors, it is difficult to survive, constantly meddling in all regional affairs, as Turkey does.

The 1988 events in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, shocked the entire Armenianhood. Dozens of people were slaughtered, majority of them after tortures and severe beatings. Over 200 apartments were robbed and burnt. Thousands of refugees remained homeless. This year changed the lives of many people. 27-year-old Manvel Yeghiazaryan was not an exception…

Communication field proceeds totaled AMD 66.8 bln in January-May 2010. The figure grew by 10.6% as compared with the same period of 2009. 599 computers were assembled in Armenia in January-May 2010. 6.6% growth was recorded in computer production in January-May 2010 as compared with the same period of 2009, the Armenian National Statistical Service reported.

Chess: The opening ceremony of the 4th FIDE Women’s Grand Prix took place in Jermuk, Armenia, on June 23. Welcoming the participants and guests, FIDE President Ilyumzhinov said, “Some two years ago chess lovers had no idea about Jermuk. Now, this wonderful resort is one of chess development centers.”

Renowned Claudia Cardinale, who co-starred in Henri Verneuil’s Mayrig (Mother) film, will attend the opening ceremony of the festival. The actress will be awarded a silver copy of a thaler made by Sergei Parajanov during the years of his imprisonment.