By empty (4/9/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Addressing a discussion in Yerevan on 9 April, economist Karine Danielian said membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO) will lead to a deterioration in the socioeconomic and ecological situation as domestic products are replaced on the internal market by cheaper foreign imports. Academician Mikhael Gyulkhassian similarly predicted that the imposition of value-added tax (VAT) on agricultural produce beginning in 2009 is likely to lead to the decline of that sector. Armenia was accepted into the WTO in February.

By empty (4/9/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The participants in a procession organized by the Armenian opposition in Yerevan today clashed with the police. Despite the law-enforcers\' efforts to block the central streets of the city, the opposition managed to hold a meeting and a procession aimed to wreck the inauguration of Armenia\'s President. After the meeting in front of the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts two or three thousand of the action participants made for Republic Square, where the inauguration ceremony was being held at the Government building.

By empty (4/8/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

US Embassy in Tashkent issued a public announcement to alert US citizens in Uzbekistan to the potential for terrorist actions against Americans in Uzbekistan. US citizens should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Uzbekistan, the announcement says. The US Government has received information that terrorists may be planning attacks against hotels in Uzbekistan frequented by Westerners.