YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN. 2008-2013 Strategy of Development of Culture will be submitted to the approval of the government by RA Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs by May 2007. RA Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs Hasmik Poghosian said this at the December 26 annual brief press conference. In her words, it will be the fundamental document, by which the cultural programs will be implemented in the coming years. "After the government's decision program's implementation will not depend on change of state non-commercial organizations' directors, it will present precise working activity for the scheduled years," H.Poghosian said. In the Minister's opinion, cultural policy is not finally formed in the country, as cultural heritage is not studied to sufficient extent yet. For this purpose questionnaires have been worked out by the Ministry for implementing a monitoring on all cultural institutions: the process has already started. Priority directions of cultural policy should be determined in advance for development of the sphere. Previously this policy was aimed at preservation of existing cultural heritage, while now provision of various directions is also among priority issues. H.Poghosian also said that the Ministry's future programs are aimed at activization of cultural life in all regions of the country. "Cultural institutions function in unequal conditions in Yerevan and in the regions." By 2007 February new program of cultural development will be also submitted to the government. As the Minister estimated, the passing year was also eventful in the respect of regulation of legislation of cultural field - laws "On Coat of Arms," "On Flag" and "On Anthem" were adopted. In her words, it only remains that RA President should ratifiy the bill "On RA National Anthem." The government also approved conception "On Non-material Cultural Heritage" submitted by the Ministry, from which not only the scheduled programs, but also adoption of the respective laws will proceed. Besides, the Minister said that starting 2007 February a programme on Armenian museums will be broadcast once a week by the Public Television and the Ministry will print "Mshakuyt" ("Culture") weekly.

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