YEREVAN, August 3 (Noyan Tapan). Today culture and art workers of Armenia aren't protected by the law and right elaboration and right application of laws are necessary for development of the professional art. Hovik Hoveyan, RA Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs, declared this at the August 3 press conference dedicated to 100 days of his tenure. Representing the main conceptual provisions of the cultural policy, the Minister mentioned that working groups were established, which attend to elaboration of these conceptions and the drafts of the corresponding laws. It was mentioned that the bill "On Export and Import of Cultural Values" has been submitted to the NA, bills on cinema, theatre, architectural monuments and protection of cultural heritage, as well as on archives and library business are being worked out. H.Hoveyan also mentioned that a collection of already adopted laws and legal acts, a "Cultural Code," will be published in the future. The Minister mentioned that cultural institutions should have certain tax privileges, in particular, they should be relieved from VAT and profit tax. According to H.Hoveyan, holding of festivals is one of the important factors contributing to development of national culture. For example, touching upon the "Voske Tsiran" ("Golden Apricot") festival held recently, the Minister said: "Owing to such festivals we may successfully represent our culture and country to the whole world." In H.Hoveyan's affirmation, festivals of classical music should be held once or twice a year in Armenia.

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