Interview with Jan van Bilsen, IFC Regional Manager for the South Caucasus

“The Armenia Investment Climate Reform Project, implemented by the World Bank Group’s Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice, continues to provide advice to the government on investment policy and inspections reforms. The project is built on IFC’s previous Investment Climate Reform Project (2011-2014), which helped the government of Armenia design and adopt reforms in taxes, trade logistics, inspections, and food safety.”

“Nor Yaraj” periodical published in France, referring to a French source, reports on an archbishop in the episcopate of Lyon. The periodical refers to French “Le Progrès” magazine, according to which, “Meanwhile the episcopate in Lyon faces serious allegations of pedophilia, another temptation emerged inside the church.”

I can’t but respect Robert’s decision. I haven’t discussed the reason with him yet, however, I understand, there are no problems with his decision to leave the team. I should only thank him for all these years which he dedicated to our team. It’s sad, however, we must look ahead and think of how to replace him.

Obama paid an official visit to Cuba. American presidents haven’t visited Havana for 90 years. This visit, according to the US president, became a symbol for the end of the Cold War between the two.

We won’t make unfounded statement that National Statistical Service is busy with painting, and just consider that conscientiously, through their methodology, not forging anything, they obtained growth index. However, if economy is being activated by 4.7%, and discontent and negative expectations increase, then 4.7% has nothing to do with the reality.

According to Tarasov, Azerbaijan understands that all these “smell of kerosene,” the situation radically changes against Azerbaijan, Turkey is rolling into abyss so profoundly that Azerbaijan appeared amid Russia, Iran and sinking Turkey.

Russia continues to get isolated from the civilized world: condemning verdict towards Nadejda Savchenko more deepens the process. Azerbaijan is among those few countries, which may still extend its ties with Russia, not being afraid of further discrediting. Subject of Russia-Azerbaijan trade, naturally, will refer to interests of Armenia and NKR. Besides, economic factor may impact on the conflict as well, as a result of fall in price for oil both Russia and Azerbaijan may become more unpredictable, for the two one of the possible variants to soothe internal tension due to social-economic situation is making use of the conflict, for the purpose to change current status quo.

In my opinion, Armenia’s condition is bothering, there is no direct threat from the Islamic State, however, there is bigger threat, as, in the end, Turkey is a country neighboring to Armenia, and the latter is in problematic ties with Turkey. And if Turkey enters a rather unsafe era, it may contain big threats for Armenia.

“Is your question correct? Currently I’m in my position, and I work. What does it mean “where do you see yourself?” I don’t know, as soon as it changes, we’ll decide on it together.”