YEREVAN, OCTOBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN. A number of sheep breeding farms in the villages of Tsakhkunk, Zovaber and Semyonovka of Gegharkunik marz intend to found a union of semicoarse wool sheep breeders within the next three-four months. Alexander Harutyunian, Chairman of the Hask-96 NGO that assists with the union's creation, told NT correspondent about it. In 1997, Hask-96 set up the Nairi-Hask company making handmade carpets that employs 30 carpet makers who work in the company's Vanadzor workshop and at home. According to the company's director Silva Harutyunian, Hairi-Hask sells its production through its Yerevan office and in several specialized shops. Besides, the company performs individual orders of foreigners. She told NT correspondent that the company still has difficulties with the export of their carpets. It is noteworthy that the main objective of Hask-96 is to reduce poverty through job creation in Armenia. Its activities are financed by the Armenian branch of the organization Oxfarm, Great Britain.

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