"Your art has become a specific criterion of enrichment of the Armenian and Russian cultures," Robert Kocharian's congratulatory message says.

During his visit the Minister met with Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister for External Relations.

Representatives of the business circles of Armenia, Belgium, Georgia, Iran, Canada, Russia and other states will take part in the conference.

The sitting of the inter-departmental commission on the Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan is being held in Yerevan.

Tuesday night is the deadline of the ultimatum made by Iraqi terrorists who have taken our compatriot Karapet Jan Djekerdjyan as a hostage. The members of the previously unknown extremist grouping promise to give back the hostage alive if he pays a million dollar redemption. Otherwise, terrorists say they will behead him.