CONTENTS Welcome to AYSOR 3 Welcome to Yerevan European Youth Parliament EYP Armenia Topics of AYSOR International Forum Forum Agenda 11 Session Overview 12 Dresscode Venues of the Session Practical Information Rules and Legal Notes Packing List for Internationals Travel Information ___21
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WELCOME TO YEREVAN, ARMENIA
The history of Armenia can be traced back to the establishment of the Armenian Kingdom in the 6th century BC which reached its height under Tigranes the Great, becoming one of the most powerful kingdoms of its time within the region. In 4th century AD, Armenia becomes the 1st country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion, thus pivoting a new era of cultural prosperity. Armenia lies in the highlands surrounding the Biblical mountains of Ararat, upon which Noah’s Ark is said to have come to rest after the flood. Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia, lies on the edge of the Ararat plain. According to the legend, after the Deluge, Noah saw a land from the Mount Ararat and cried “Yerevats, Yerevats!” (I see the land), which is believed to be the origin for the city’s name. Being on the crossroads of West and East it has harmoniously combined the best of the two. The city is now proud to introduce its modern and old architectural jewels like the Republic Square, the Opera House, the Cascades, The Northern Avenue as well as numerous galleries, museums and parks. Entertainment, recreation, night walks along the Singing Fountains together with the hospitable company of the residents assures one’s entire enjoyment of the flamboyant city life. Thus, 2796 years old Yerevan is pleased to whole-heartedly welcome all the delegates!
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EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is a non-partisan and independent educational project which is tailored specifically to the needs of the young European citizen. The EYP encourages independent thinking and socio-political initiative in young people and facilitates the learning of crucial social and professional skills. Since its inauguration, in 1987, many tens of thousands of young people have taken part in regional, national and international sessions, formed friendship, ponder over urgent issues of Europe, proposed solutions, made international contact across and beyond borders. Today the EYP is one of the largest European platforms for political educational work and the exchange of ideas among young people in Europe. The EYP consists of a network of more than 41 European associations and organisations in which targets to empower the young people through the involvement in the decision-making process. The entire network organises about 200 events every year. The Alumni of the EYP sessions include, among others, Freya van der Bossche, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, Ragnar Siil, advisor to the Estonian Minister for Culture, Christoph Gottschalk and Carole Moinard, advisors to the French Prime Minister, etc.
EYP ARMENIA The EYP Armenia has been established and recognized as a full member of the European Youth Parliament network in December of 2012. Since then our delegates have taken part in numerous of regional sessions, international forums, and got involved in various projects. Overall, EYP Armenia has implemented 25 projects which involved around 3000 young people, hosted 400 foreign students from 68 countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas and Australia and 45 volunteers from Georgia, Sweden, Romania, Austria, Czech Rep., etc. The 1st Pan-Regional EYP Session (#PRESS) took place on 17-20th April, 2015 in Dilijan, Armenia. Around 80 delegates from 14 cities of Armenia gathered together to brainstorm, discuss diverse topics in their respective committees, challenge each other and themselves, get to know various perspectives and see matters a bit differently. In the scope of the event 2 delegates were recognized as the best regional delegates and got a chance to represent Armenia in Spain, Zaragoza, in July. 20 best delegates were awarded to take part in the 2nd International EYP Forum in Armenia (#IEFA).
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The 2nd International EYP Forum in Armenia (#IEFA) took place on May 21-28 and gathered 250 participants from 52 countries of 5 continents. IEFA launched by Opening Ceremony at Municipality of Yerevan on May 21st. Furthermore, it comprised Euro Village, Committee Work in 10 committees, Euro Concert, General Assembly, Committee Tours, visiting Wings of Tatev, etc. In the scope of IEFA 7 Armenian Delegates were recognized the best and will represent us at Leipzig 80th International Session of the European Youth Parliament.
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The 1st Summer School Session (#ESS) took place on 20-24th July, 2015 in Yerevan, Armenia. Around 60 delegates from 5 schools of Yerevan gathered together in this 5 day event to discuss the respective topics in their committees. In the scope of the event 2 schools of Yerevan were recognized as best school delegations and got a chance to participate in Yerevan International EYP Forum – AYSOR taking place in November. 7 delegates were recognized as best delegates and got Dilijan Academic EYP Forum.
Dilijan Academic EYP Forum (#DAEF) on “The Eastern Partnership and EU: on the way to a deeper integration” took place on 8-14th, October 2015 in Dilijan, Armenia. Around 120 delegates from 30 countries of Europe gathered together to brainstorm, discuss diverse topics in their respective committees, challenge each other and themselves, get to know various perspectives and see matters a bit differently. The Academic Forum was organized with the support of German Federal Foreign Office in the scope of BASES (Building a Strong European Society) project.
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Topics of AYSOR International Forum The Delegates will be allocated in 7 Committees to discuss the following topics in the scope of “Activating Youth for Sustainability: Obtaining and Rebuilding” broad topic:
Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) I A way out of the diplomatic deadlock: With an open dispute between the EU and the Russian Federation about the status of the Crimean Peninsula, what role should the Eastern Partnership members play to de-escalate the conflict and encourage international dialogue both in the region and throughout Europe? Links: The European Commission's Fact Sheet on the Situation in Ukraine: http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140514_02_en.pdf Address by the President of the Russian Federation in March 2014 about the Situation in Ukraine: http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20603
Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) II Setting a new course for the Eastern Partnership: With conflict resolution in Ukraine and the EU’s internal crisis overshadowing the fourth Eastern Partnership summit in Riga in May this year, which areas of cooperation should be prioritised? Is a new political direction needed to secure mutual benefits for all partners of the Eastern Partnership in the upcoming years? Link: A summary about the fourth eastern partnership summit by the European Commission: http://eeas.europa.eu/top_stories/2015/150519_eap-riga-summit_en.htm
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Equal pay for equal work - a principle included in the Treaties of the European Union since 1957: Yet gaps in pay and unequal treatment of men and women in the labour market are still widespread across the continent. What measures should be taken in order to promote and ensure equal treatment and opportunities for men and women in the workforce? Link: A summary about EU legislation on gender-pay-gap by the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/gender-equality/gender-pay-gap/index_en.htm
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Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) No control of your personal data: With the EU's Data Protection Reform to be finalised by the end of the year, how should data protection law be reformed and what other political steps need to be taken in order to secure their citizens' data protection rights? Link: A summary about the upcoming Data Protection Reform EU by the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/data-protection/reform/index_en.htm
Committee on Development (DEVE) The world's largest humanitarian crisis since World War II: As the ongoing conflict in Syria is reaching its fifth year, millions of people have been displaced. What approach should the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department and Eastern Partnership countries take to help Syria's neighbouring countries provide the refugees with the help they need? Link: A fact sheet by the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department on Syria: http://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/aid/countries/factsheets/syria_en.pdf
Committee on Regional Development (REGI) Renewing or restoring: In reference to the EU's Regional Policy for urban development and in face of increasing urbanisation, what priorities should authorities set to ensure growing European capitals retain their identities whilst allowing development to take place? What should future European capitals provide to their citizens with and how should they do so? Link: A summary by the European Commission on its regional policy for urban development: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/themes/urban-development/
Committee on Human Rights (DROI) For diversity, against discrimination: Raising awareness of existing anti-discrimination measures is a key aim of the European Commission's anti-discrimination legislation and has been on the Commission's agenda for a decade. However, as national antidiscrimination laws differ tremendously across Europe, a European approach to raise awareness has not been feasible yet. What kind of European wide projects should European governments promote to foster a better public understanding of antidiscrimination measures and thus better combat discrimination? Link: A summary by the European Commission on anti-discrimination legislation: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/discrimination/index_en.htm
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FORUM AGENDA Wednesday, 18th of November By 17:00
Arrival of International Officials 20:00-23:00 Evening for the Officials Thursday, 19th of November All Day Arrival of International delegates 12:00-16:00 Teambuilding of the Officials 18:00-22:00 Trainings of the Officials Friday, 20th of November 09:00-09:30 Transfer of Internationals to Teambuilding Venue 09:30-10:00 Registration of Participants 10:00-14:00 Teambuilding Activities 14:00-15:00 Lunch 15:00-17:00 Teambuilding Activities 17:00-18:00 Transfer of Internationals to Hostel & EuroVillage Venue 18:00-18:30 EuroVillage Preparations 18:30-20:30 EuroVillage 20:30-21:00 Transfer of Internationals to Hostel & Party Venue 21:00-00:00 Welcome Party Saturday, 21st of November 09:00-09:30 Transfer of Internationals to Opening Ceremony 09:30-11:00 Opening Ceremony 11:00-11:30 Welcome reception 11:30-12:30 Transfer of Internationals to hostel and to Committee Work Venue 12:30-14:00 Committee Work 14:00-15:00 Lunch 15:00-17:00 Committee Work 17:00-17:30 Coffee Break 17:30-20:00 Committee Work 20:30-00:00 Committee Dinner
Sunday, 22nd of November 08:30-09:00 Transfer of Internationals to CW Venue 09:00-13:30 Committee Work 13:30-14:30 Lunch 14:30-17:00 Committee Work 17:00-17:30 Coffee Break 17:30-19:00 Committee Work 20:00-22:00 Crayfish Evening Monday, 23rd of November 08:30-14:00 Trip to Etchmiadzin & Armenian Genocide memorial complex 14:00-16:00 Free Time 15:30-16:00 Transfer of performers to EuroConcert Venue 16:00-18:00 Euro Concert Rehearsals 17:30-18:00 Transfer of Internationals to EuroConcert Venue 18:00-20:00 Euro Concert 20:00-20:30 Transfer of Delegates to Cultural Dinner Venue 20:30-00:00 Cultural Dinner Tuesday, 24th of November 08:30-09:00 Transfer of Internationals to General Assembly Venue 09:00-12:30 Opening of GA (Committees 1, 2) 12:30-13:00 Coffee Break 13:00-14:45 GA (Committees 3, 4) 15:00-16:00 Lunch 16:00-18:30 GA (Committees 5,6,7) 18:30-19:30 Closing Ceremony 19:30-20:00 Transfer of Internationals to Hostel 20:00-21:00 Free Time 21:00-02:00 Farewell party Wednesday, 25th of November All day Departures of Internationals
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SESSION OVERVIEW Teambuilding Description: The opening of the forum will start with Teambuilding activities, which will take place in beautiful English Park, situated in the middle of hospitable Yerevan. The delegates will get to know each other better, preparing the base for an effective continuation of the forum. Dress code: Casual/Comfortable Must bring: Warm clothes: Hat, scarf, gloves
EuroVillage Description: The very tasty event during the forum will take place at the LOFT, a very cozy and comfortable place to spend a November evening. Dress code: Casual/ Representing your country Must bring: National food and beverages to represent your country (keep in mind that we have 150 participants) and typical items to decorate your country table. Flags are encouraged. IMPORTANT: Only alcoholic drinks with lower than 20% alcoholic content will be allowed. The rest will be confiscated.
Theme party – Masquerade Description: We will welcome the delegates with a MASQUERADE party taking place at a local club. The uniqueness of the party is the mysterious atmosphere that will be present during the whole night. This event will guarantee an endless fun and unforgettable emotions. You are free to choose a favourite character or just a random costume. Make sure to be original and express yourselves. Dress code: Informal- Fancy costume Must bring: Masques are mandatory to be worn.
Opening Ceremony Description: This will mark the official start of the session and it will be held in Komitas Museum Institute, a marvelous venue combining contemporary art and cultural-historical heritage. Dress code: Formal
Committee Work Description: The second main part of the forum where the delegates will work in a group on a single topic will be hosted by Basic School #20 after John Kirakosyan. At this impressive venue, delegates will have to find common ground and compromise together to come up with viable resolutions for the committee topics. Dress code: Smart
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Must bring: Pens, Notepads, Preparation and Research materials.
Committee Dinner Description: After a hard-working day on the topics, Committees will be out for a dinner across Yerevan to taste traditional Armenian food and to get to know the Armenian spirit from another angle. Dress code: Smart Must bring: Money IMPORTANT: The participation fee does not cover this dinner, so each participate should have around 3000-5000AMD.
Crayfish evening Description: After finishing the most important job during the forum- the committee work, all the delegates are welcome to join the Crayfish evening. This will be a great place to relax and get to know each other better and have fun. There will be lots and lots of crayfish waiting for us to eat them and enjoy! Dress code: Casual Must bring: Money for drinks, if you wish. IMPORTANT: The participation fee does not include the price for drinks, so if you want to grab some drinks with crayfish, make sure to have some money with you.
Trip to Etchmiadzin and Armenian Genocide memorial complex Description: This trip will take you around Armenia, and get you acquainted with the ancient architecture and the real culture of our country. Etchmiadzin cathedral is the mother church of Armenia. The original church was built in the early 4th century. The Armenian Genocide memorial is Armenia's official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, built in 1967. Every year on April 24— the Armenian Genocide Remembrance day - thousands of Armenians gather at the memorial to commemorate the victims of the genocide. Dress code: Casual Must bring: Warm clothes, as it will be chilly in Etchmiadzin in the morning
Euroconcert Description: Our day will be filled with the positive emotions gained from the Euroconcert, where participants can show their talents in singing, dancing, performing or playing any instrument. If you can show yourself in any artistic way, we strongly advise you to sign up for performing at the Euroconcert. Everyone has talent. What's rare is the courage to follow it. Dress code: Formal/ Elegant
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Cultural dinner Description: Another fun part of the day. The cultural dinner will be hosted by Megerian Carpets Restaurant in Yerevan. Authentic Armenian dishes, Armenian music and inspiring atmosphere, surrounded by hand-made carpets, will make the night an unforgettable one. Besides, you will be introduced the art of making rugs and will be demonstrated the real process of making them. Dress code: Formal
General Assembly Desciption: This is the occasion where the participants will show the job they have done during the 2 hard working Committee days. This will be a simulation of parliamentary debate in the European Parliament. All the participants are encouraged to be active during debates by delivering speeches, participating in rounds of debates to share their points of view. Dress code: Formal
Farewell party Description: This will wrap up the unforgettable days spent in Yerevan, the pink city. All the participants will have a chance to party with all the old and new friends they would have made during the session. We will party hard, have lots of fun and enjoy our last day together. Dress code: Casual
DRESSCODE SMART
During Committee Work you will be required tofollow the smart dress code. You will not be expected to wear your suit, but worn-out jeans with sneakers or flip-flops don’t quite fit the smart clothing requirements either - preferably you wear something in between. For example, trousers with a shirt or a blouse will suit perfectly for Committee Work.
Casual This dress code applies to Teambuilding, where you will be doing various activities, both indoors and outdoors, depending on the weather conditions. You are free to wear any type of clothing you feel comfortable in, as long as you are able to move around actively.
Formal
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During the Opening Ceremony, the EuroConcert and the General Assembly you will be expected to dress formally. This means suits with ties for the gentlemen, and suits, dresses or skirts of an appropriate length for the ladies!
VENUES OF THE SESSION English Park Teambuilding The English Park is a public park in Yerevan, Armenia, which lies just to the south of the Republic Square. English Park is one of the oldest parks in the city of Yerevan, dating back to the 1860s. The Sundukyan Academic Theatre, the French and the Italian embassy in Armenia and the Best Western Congress Hotel of Yerevan are located in the English Park.
The LOFT Euro village The Loft is a multi-functional platform which is meant for self-sustained and healthy life style, self-development and simply for pastime. Its uniqueness relies in variety of choices it offers. A hall for trainings, debates, film screenings, a club for film lovers and healthy life style is open here. Besides that, you can find a game hall, a library and a stage equipped with instruments for musicians
Komitas Museum Institute Opening Ceremony Komitas Museum Institute stands for the unity and rebirth of the Armenian nation. Komitas Vardapet joined together the spiritual and worldly, noble and peasant, Western Armenian and Eastern Armenian. It is the first newly established museum in independent Armenia.
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John Kirakosyan Basic School #20 Committee Work The 2-day committee work will be held in School #20 named after John Kirakosan. The school was founded in 1943. Previously named after Dzerzhinsky, the school has become home for many graduates who are scientists, professors, politicians and academicians.
Arno Babajanyan Concert Hall EuroConcert The building was built in 1916. The hall was officially named after Arno Babajanyan on December 25 2005. It is situated on the ground floor of the house of Culture, presently the Museums building (Republic square).The concert hall can host 300 guests.
Megerian Carpet Armenia Cultural Dinner “Megerian” company was founded in 1917, in New York, USA. In 2002, it experienced a renaissance by support of the Megerian Brothers, who had the charge bolstering the handmade Armenian rugs and representing them in the annual world exhibitions. Over time, “Megerian Carpet” OJSC in Armenia expended the business and the Armenian handmade rugs quickly gained a reputation throughout Europe, Asia and the United States.
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Erebuni Plaza, Erebuni Hall General Assembly General Assembly will be hosted by Erebuni Plaza Business Center, which is the biggest first-rate business located in very centre of Yerevan, next to Republic Square, main government buildings, financial institutions and international organizations – that’s the ideal place for the General Assembly.
Kantar Hostel Accommodation Situated in the historical part of Yerevan, Kantar is a mixture of the old and new. The wholesale trade of the city was carried right in this part of Old Yerevan back in mid-19th century. It is only 1 minute walk from the Republic Square, has comfortable and clean rooms with free Wi-Fi, hospitable staff, and delicious homemade breakfast.
96 Karaoke Club
007 Pub
Paparazzi Club
Masquerade Party
Crayfish Evening
Farewell Party
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION WEATHER Falls in Yerevan are at first mild, warm and windless, while already in October the leaves start turning yellow, the weather gets colder and people start putting on warm clothes. Sometimes it might be so cold during November that Yerevanians will put on their winter jackets, clothes and accessories. November is the month that announces the end of fall and the beginning of winter. During this period Yerevan experiences average daytime temperature of 13 degrees Celsius and around 7 percent of average daily humidity. So we highly advise you to bring warm (winter) clothes with you sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves coats, boots and umbrellas.
EXTRA NIGHTS The majority of delegates will be travelling to Yerevan through Zvartnots International Airport, and may need some extra nights prior to or after the session. For this matter we offer: Kantar hostel - the accomodation during the session: Kantar Hostel is located in Yerevan within a 1-minute walk of Republic Square. Yerevan Train Station is within a 5-minute drive and Zvartnots International Airport is 11.5 km away. Price: Approximately 8 EUR per night for 1 person (in 4-bed and 8-bed rooms) Kantar hotel: For those who do not want to stay in 4 or 8 bed rooms for the extra nights, Kantar offers comfortable hotel rooms in the same building. Price: 38 EUR/night per night for 1 room. If none of the mentioned options will work for you, you can easily find a hotel/hostel using the www.booking.com website. The booking arrangements for extra nights at Kantar Hostel/Hotel should be done by us prior the session based on the details that you will provide us. You should pay for extra night to Kantar as soon as you arrive. They take both cash (Armenian Drams) and Credit Cards (VISA, MaterCard and AMEX cards), but cash is more preferable. ATTENTION!!! All of you who stay an extra night are kindly asked to fill it in the Travel Information questionnaire that will be sent to you via email. All the details are compulsory to fulfill.
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RULES AND LEGAL NOTES VISA Entry visa to Armenia is not required for a year-long stay for the nationals of the following countries: the European Union Member States, Andorra, Iceland, Norway, Georgia, Belarus, Russia, Moldova, San Marino, Switzerland, Ukraine, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania. Citizens of states not mentioned above will be required to obtain visa either in the Armenian consulates in their home countries or once they arrive at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. Details of visa policy of Armenia for your country can be found here: http://bit.ly/1pVPUt8
EYP alcohol and drug policy 1.
Alcoholic beverages less than 20% alcohol content will be available at the session and may be consumed by those aged 18 and above. Beverages that fall into this category are beer, wine, cider and champagne.
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Any spirit, hard drinks including mixed drinks, will not be available, may not be acquired from external sources and may not be consumed during the session.
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Although it is legal for people 18 and over to consume spirits and hard alcohol in Armenia, still, it will not be allowed during the session.
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Any participant who will overindulge will be sent home at his or her own expense.
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The Organising team reserves the right to confiscate alcoholic drinks on the grounds of high alcohol content, underage drinking or overindulgence. Session participants who are not underage may collect their confiscated alcoholic beverages at the end of the session.
Leaving the official programme Managing a session with a large number of participants requires the organizers to know where you are during the times. This means that you cannot leave without the permission of an organizer. Even when permission has been given, you must take care to stay with an organizer at all times. Under no circumstances can you leave by yourself.
Special needs If you have any need concerning allergies, medical treatment or handicap facilities, please send an email right away with all the relevant information to aysorforum@gmail.com
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PACKING LIST FOR INTERNATIONALS Those super-important things you always forget to bring. Once you’re here with no possibility to go back home.
Essentials:
Valid identification (passport/ID)
documents
Printed copy of your Passport/ ID Travel tickets & visa (if required)
Committee work kit (articles researches made prior to the session)
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Money in AMD (you can exchange your currency easily on almost every step), debit/credit card (also keeping in mind your personal expenses)
Printed and Consent Form signed by you or your parent/tutor (if necessary)
Mobile adapter
Phone,
charger,
plug
Medicine you require.
Highly advisable Clothes for seven days (remember the different dress codes during the session, also keeping in mind the expected cold weather) Items for personal hygiene (toothbrush, soap, shampoo, towel, etc.) Items & food for Eurovillage national stand (there are going to be almost 150 people, so make sure everyone can "taste" your country). For EuroConcert participants: instruments, CD or USB stick with music, useful items, costumes, basically anything you may need during your performance. Masks and suitable party attire for the Masquerande.
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Travel Information ATTENTION!!! Hurry up to book your flight/bus tickets to Yerevan. You are kindly asked to fill it in the TRAVEL INFORMATION FORM that will be sent to you via email. All the details are compulsory to fulfill. MONEY AND PRICES: Armenian currency is called “dram” (AMD), 1 euro = 540 AMD. The daily exchange rate of Armenian dram can be found at www.cba.am. Currency can be easily changed in the banks, supermarkets, special check points and there is no quantity limit. Credit & debit cards are accepted in the shops, stores, hotels, cafes, pubs, etc. In comparison with Central and Western Europe, the prices for most of the goods and services are 3, 4 times cheaper. Here are some hints: Sandwich – € 0.7 – 1.5 1 km, taxi cab – € 0.2 A bottle of water (0.33 l.) – € 0.2 Mobile card – € 1 Tariff for the mobile cards – € 0.02/min for both local and international calls
HOW TO REACH YEREVAN There are two ways you can use to reach Yerevan, the roadway and airway. Find the detailed information below. AIR WAYS: Flights from Central and Western Europe takes from 2,5 to 4 hours; regular flights to Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan (http://www.zvartnots.aero/en) are from Vienna, London, Paris, Minsk, Moscow, Prague, Warsaw, Riga, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Berlin, etc. For the Polish, Belarusian and Slovak participants the cheap way to get to Yerevan is taking Wizz Air budget airlines (http://wizzair.com/). The latter performs flights from Poland, Lithuania, Hungary to Kutaisi (a city in Georgia, 5 hour ride to Yerevan) at the rate of € 80-130 for round-trip ticket. Please also check out the Fly Pegasus low cost airlines (http://www.flypgs.com/en/default.aspx) that perform flights to Tbilisi (Georgia) with average price of round-trip ticket ranging from € 100200, the bus from Tbilisi to Yerevan (the venue of the conference) takes 4-5 hours and costs € 10-15 (one way). ROAD WAYS: Buses to Yerevan depart from Thessaloniki, Istanbul, Trabzon with prices ranging from € 30 to € 70 for one way ticket. Buses/minivans leave for Yerevan from Tbilisi on the daily basis with the price range € 10-15 for one way ticket, the International railway connection is also available from Georgia (€ 15 25 one way).
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