Author: Hakobian Adrine

AROMA OF ARMENIA

Cosmetics in Russia, Russia
Oct 2 2007

Armenia, a small country located between Black and Caspian seas, has
3mln population and two specialized perfumery and cosmetics retail
chains organized according to international standards of beauty
business. Burmunk and Rouge, two retailers dealing with premium
brands are the main rivals in class A trade. Besides them, about 10
stores of class B and numerous no-class points of sales dealing with
massmarket work in Yerevan, the Armenia capital. Competition between
Burmunk and Rouge is set on the field of assortment policy. Each of
the retailers has exclusive contracts with a range of premium brands,
thus their offer almost does no cross.

Burmunk specialized retail chain (the name is translated as "aroma"
from Armenian language) is incorporated in Nushikian Association
and locates in Armenia. The company was established in 1992. It is a
family business owned by Nushikian family with Mr Garegin Nushikian
as the president.

The association covers a wide variety of activities, including
perfumery distribution and retailing, advertising (about 200 billboards
in Yerevan and surroundings), restaurant business.

The first Burmunk store was opened in 1997. It was shop-in-shop
format located in Edelweiss, a premium fashion store and one of
numerous parts of Nushikian empire. Nina Ricci, Gucci, Rochas, YSL
and some other premium brands were for the first time officially sold
in Armenia. A standalone Burmunk was opened two years later in the
center of Erevan. At present five stores work under Burmunk banner
and the retailer’s turnover adds 10-15% annually. Average bill is
$50. In 2007 two more stores are to be opened in Erevan and Gumri,
a large Armenia city.

The assortment comprises a wide variety of premium perfumery,
colour cosmetics, skin care and hair care. Chanel (perfumery,
colour cosmetics, skin care), YSL Group (YSL, Zegna, Boucheron),
Antonio Puig Group (Nina Ricci, Paco Rabanne, Carolina Herrera),
Coty Prestige (Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Davidoff, J-Lo, Jil Sander),
P&G (Gucci, Escada, Montblanc, Dunhill, Rochas), Selective Beuty
(Chopard, MaxMara, Trussardi), InterParfum (S.T.Dupont, Burberry),
SalvatoreFerragamo, Emanuel Ungaro are among the premium brands. In
a recently opened store the assortment was widened with massmarket
brands – L’Oreal, Garnier, Maybelline, Pupa, Adidas. Massmarket
assortment is to be enlarged in the nearest time.

The company aims at middle class people, which rapid growth is
indicated in the Armenia capital. The main part of Burmunk sales
falls to perfumery, followed by colour cosmetics. Premium skin care
products are the least popular, however their sales increase.

All the Burmunk stores, except one, are trading over the counter.

There are no promoting stands in the stores. Shelf merchandizing
is made by brands. Each brands has four-six shelves depending on a
store. Merchandizing presupposes shelf-testers.

Premium brands are supplied to the Armenian retailer directly from
international manufacturers. The goods are supplied from Europe as
Nushikian Association is exclusive distributor of many premium brands
in Armenia. Massmarket products are supplied by local distributors,
though the company strives to cut down distributor unit on the way
from manufacturer to retail shelf. For example, Coty is already bought
from Adidas directly.

A present for a purchase is a constantly active program aiming
at strengthening client loyalty. Twice a year visagistes and
cosmetologists accredited by Chanel company consult women on make-up
tendencies and skin care novelties free of charge. Discount cards
for loyal clients are to be issued this year.

The company representative admitted the Erevan market of premium
perfumery and cosmetics is still not very large and each Burmunk
store has its circle of constant visitors. That is why personnel is
trained to show individual approach to each client.

If you cannot view this properly, please click

Armenian National Committee of Australia
The Peak Public Affairs Committee of the Armenian-Australian Community
259 Penshurst Street, Willoughby NSW 2068 ~ PO Box 768, Willoughby NSW 2068
Tel: (02) 9419 8264 ~ Fax: (02) 9411 8898
Email: [email protected] ~ Website:

28 September, 2007

PRESS RELEASE

{CONTACT: Haig Kayserian (Communications Officer) ~ 0403 317 903 ~
[email protected]}

ANC MELBOURNE CONGRATULATES DR. POLAIN

MELBOURNE: The Armenian National Committee of Australia has congratulated
Western Australia-based author, Dr. Marcella Polain in Melbourne last week,
for her recently-released book which depicts the suffering of a family
during the Armenian Genocide.

The English Literature and Writing lecturer at Edith Cowan University, with
half-Armenian/half-Irish origins, released the The Edge of the World – her
first novel – at the Melbourne Writers Festival earlier this year.

"We thank Dr. Polain for writing such a powerful and poetic documentation of
an Armenian family during the tragedy which was the Armenian Genocide,"
commented ANC Melbourne representative, Ms. Sylvia Nercessian.

She added: "Novels present a great way for today’s descendants of the
Armenian Genocide, and others, to understand the devastating effects of the
massacres in 1915."

Melbourne’s Azadamard Radio Program will interview Dr. Polain in coming
weeks, while Armenian-Australian publications Armenia Weekly and Armenian
Life will release editorials relating to her work.

The Edge of the World is currently available in all good book stores.

[End]

Armenian National Committee of Australia
259 Penshurst Street, Willoughby NSW 2068
PO Box 768, Willoughby NSW 2068
T: (02) 9419 8264 | F: (02) 9411 8898
E: <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected] | W: <;

The Armenian National Committee of Australia is the peak public affairs body
of the Armenian-Australian community. ANC Australia advances the concerns of
the Armenian-Australian community.

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:

**Schedule**

* *October 1, 2007**

**9:30am: Meeting with Armenian School Students**

It is one of the Pontiff&rsquo;s primary goals to reach out to the
Church&rsquo;s youth. Therefore, His Holiness&rsquo;s first activity
will be to meet with the graduating classes of the Armenian Day
Schools in the Los Angeles Area. This group of several hundred young
people will gather to offer their welcome to the Supreme Patriarch
and receive his blessings.

**6:00pm: Consecration of the Altar of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Armenian Apostolic Church, Pasadena**

After numerous years of planning and construction, St. Gregory the
Illuminator was consecrated on September 8th & 9th of 2007. On
September 8th, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of
the Western Diocese presided over the &ldquo;Turrenpatzek&rdquo;
ceremony (Opening of the Doors) which was followed by a traditional
celebration. On Sunday morning, September 9, 2007, following Divine
Liturgy, the consecration of the church took place, presided by the
Primate A banquet in the church&rsquo;s Agajanian Hall followed. In
view of His Holiness&rsquo; upcoming visit, the Altar was not
consecrated and awaits his blessings.

The consecration of the altar of St. Gregory Church in Pasadena will
take place on Monday, October 1, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. The consecration
will be followed by a reception, giving the parish and community
members an opportunity to meet with His Holiness. The faithful are
encouraged to participate.

October 2, 2007
**11:00am: Mother Cathedral Groundbreaking Ceremony**

In June 2005, the Blessing of the Stones of the Mother Cathedral of
the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America took
place during His Holiness&rsquo; second pontifical visit. Two years
later, on October 2, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. it is with great pleasure
that we announce the long-awaited groundbreaking of the Mother
Cathedral under the auspices of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos
of All Armenians. Present during this historic occasion will be
benefactors of the Mother Cathedral, as well as ecumenical and
governmental guests. The faithful are encouraged to attend.

GROWING ARMY FOR PRESERVING OF MILITARY BALANCE IN THE REGION
by Irakly Aladishvili
Translated by Pavel Pushkin

Source: Kviris Palitra (Tbilisi), September 17, 2007, p. EV
Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
September 28, 2007 Friday

GEORGIAN ARMY IS INCREASED FOR ACHIEVEMENT OF PARITY WITH THE ARMED
FORCES OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN; The Georgian political community
is alarmed by the bill submitted to the parliament and implying an
increase in strength of the national armed forces from 28,000 to
32,000 servicemen.

Georgian political community is alarmed by the bill submitted to the
parliament and implying an increase of strength in the national armed
forces from 28,000 to 32,000 servicemen.

The parliamentary majority believes that for the prevention of internal
and external threats, it is necessary to increase the army.

Moreover, Nika Rurua, chair of the parliamentary defense and security
committee, presumes that quantitative growth of the army may continue
further and by the end of the year the overall quantity of servicemen
of regular military units and trained reservists will reach 90,000.

Part of the parliamentary opposition criticizes the presidential and
the governmental initiative for increase of strength of the Georgian
army. Opposition says that army should be strengthened not as a result
of quantitative growth but by other ways. Some people even think that
the growth of the military budget for the needs of the growing army
is necessary for the authorities to win the upcoming elections.

It is a fact that Georgia has the smallest armed forces in the
region. According to the quantity of personnel, they are 33.33% smaller
than the Armenian army and 56.54% smaller than the army of Azerbaijan.

Now matter how good and friendly the relations are with a neighboring
country it is necessary to maintain a certain military balance.

Nobody knows who will be its leader tomorrow and which claims the
country may have against you, moreover so when common borders with
these countries are not definitively settled.

We present to the reader exclusive data on the current condition of
the armed forces of our neighbors Armenia and Azerbaijan that have
never been published before.

The armed forces of Armenia have 43,500 servicemen and the armed forces
of Azerbaijan have 65,000 servicemen (leaving apart personnel of the
Azerbaijan navy consisting of 2,500 servicemen). People in Georgia
protest to formation of the fifth infantry brigade but Armenian
army has five army corps formations leaving apart separate regiments
and battalions. The Azerbaijani army also has five corps formations
(leaving apart separate units). There are up to 7,700 people in the
largest third army corps of Armenia based in Vanadzor and the most
numerous first Azerbaijani army corps has 13,000 people.

A Georgian infantry brigade has just 3,200 servicemen. Along with this,
in the Georgian army a brigade is the largest unit.

Even these dry figures show that any military parity is out of the
question now. The situation is the same if not worse in the aspect
of armament.

The Azerbaijani army is armed with 261 tanks (including 163 T-72),
which is almost 50% more than the tank fleet of Georgia. The
Azerbaijani army has a bigger superiority according to artillery. It
has 343 artillery systems and mortars of various classes with caliber
exceeding 100 millimeters including 12 300-mm multiple rocket launcher
systems Smerch with launch range of up to 70 kilometers.

Georgian military aviation cannot be compared to the Azerbaijani one.

Baku has not less than 76 combat airplanes (including 32 supersonic
interceptors MiG-25 and 14 fighters MiG-29) and 15 combat helicopters
Mi-24.

Armenian army with its 110 tanks (including 102 T-72) is inferior to
the Georgian army in this aspect but we should not forget that army
of unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic has 100-200% more armament
than Armenia.

The quantity of Mi-24 helicopters in Armenia and Georgia is the same
(8) but the fleet of combat airplanes of Armenia consisting of 16
airplanes (one interceptor MiG-25 and 15 assault airplanes Su-25)
exceeds capabilities of the military aviation of Georgia.

The population of Azerbaijan is 8.4 million people and it is probably
not surprising that its armed forces are bigger than the army of
Georgia having population of 4.5 million people but population of
Armenia is just 3.2 million people.

Besides the observance of military parity with the armies of the
neighboring countries the armed forces of Georgia also have and will
probably have in the future to counteract to internal and external
threats.

If we rule out the possibility of open aggression from the north, on
the part of the armed forces of Russia, we have two zones of frozen
domestic conflicts. In turn, this circumstance generates the not very
pleasant prospect of fighting on two fronts.

Sukhumi and Tskhinvali leaders already signed an agreement to spite
Tbilisi implying mutual assistance with the armed forces in case of
restarting of hostilities in one of these regions. Just imagine that
armed forces of Georgia are simultaneously involved into full-scale
combat operations against Tskhinvali and in the Galsky District. Will
four infantry brigades of the Georgian army be able to cope with
these hazards? Personnel needs rest and reinforcements.

The idea of forming the fifth infantry brigade is no recent
development. In the spring of 2005, Irakly Okruashvili, who was the
Defense Minister then, said that he would start the formation of the
fifth brigade in a conversation with the author of the present article.

It is possible to understand the indignation of a part of the
population. They say that in comparison with the military budget, the
aid given to the socially underprivileged groups of the population is
not big. This situation is also caused by the fact that Georgian army
has had a miserable existence for years, its financing has been scarce
and now we have to catch up to become a force taken into account in
the South Caucasian region. This requires big expenditures.

DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS SHOULD PROTECT ARMENIAN COS’ INTERESTS – PM

ITAR-TASS News Agency, Russia
September 28, 2007 Friday 1:51 PM EST

Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan said on Friday the task of
Armenia’s diplomatic missions in foreign countries should be stronger
protection of Armenian companies’ interests abroad and expansion of
goal-oriented economic activities.

At meeting with heads of Armenia’s embassies and consulates, he said
one of the key conditions for the republic’s economic development is
attraction of big foreign companies into Armenia’s economy.

"They bring rich experience to different spheres, create new jobs
and may help attract attention and create good attitude to Armenia
in their countries," he said.

Armenia has embassies in 26 countries and is represented in seven
international organizations.

ASSESSMENT CENTER TO SERVE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Reuters Alert, UK
Sept 27 2007

Source: World Vision Middle East/Eastern Europe office (MEERO)
Reuters and AlertNet are not responsible for the content of this
article or for any external internet sites. The views expressed are
the author’s alone.

The first ever Assessment Centre in Yerevan, Armenia is serving as a
corner stone in the comprehensive assessment of children with special
needs. The recent opening of the Centre is a major step forward to
integrate children with disabilities into society, enabling them to
access their right to education.

The Centre is of national importance, as it will also serve as
a basis to assess special educational needs of children in other
regions of Armenia.

‘This is a pivotal step towards serious reformations in the sphere of
inclusive education in Armenia,’ said Kamo Areyan, the Deputy Mayor
of Yerevan, during the opening ceremony held this week.

The Centre will serve to better understand the needs of children
who are facing educational or social challenges. Assisted by the
international consultancy, assessment tools have been developed in
collaboration with other NGOs working in the field. The tools will
be used to identify and assess children’s strengths and adapt their
education appropriately. The Centre will also help parents to know
their children better, and believe in their children’s potential for
further development and growth.

‘The establishment of the Centre is a vivid example of a successful
cooperation between World Vision Armenia, the Government, and local
and international NGOs. It is a significant contribution to the
establishment of an adequate referral system, the development
of inclusive educational facilities, and the prevention of
institutionalization,’ said Kristine Mikhailidi, sectoral operations
manager of World Vision Armenia.

‘We are ready to make a necessary investment to support the effective
functioning of the center. This is the only center in Yerevan but we
are looking forward to establishing this kind of centre in the regions
as well,’ said Nourijan Manukyan, head of the Special Education Unit
of the Ministry of Education and Science.

[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and
not of Reuters. ]

PERSON WOUNDED IN METROPOL CASINO IS ARMENIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN – UPDATED

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2007

The person, who was wounded in the shooting in Metropol casino in
the center of Moscow, is Armenian parliamentarian Tigran Arzakantsyan.

Armenian embassy in Russia said, APA reports quoting RIA Novosti.

The officer of the embassy said Arzakantsyan came to Moscow on his
personal business and his visit has nothing to do with Prime Minister
Serge Sarkisian’s visit.

The incident happened at about 04.00 by local time. According to
the preliminary reports, several men from Caucasus republics had
a conflict. As a result of it, one of them twice fired on Tigran
Arzakantsyan. Armenian parliamentarian was taken to Institute of
Emergency Aid named after Sklifosovsky in critical condition.

Representative of Tver prosecutor’s office Sergey Baluchevski said
criminal case has been launched on the fact on articles 30 and 315
(murderous assault) of the criminal code.

It was impossible to interrogate the sufferer, as he was operated.

Therefore, no version can be put forth with regard to the case.

Sergey Baluchevski said the crime suspect escaped.

COOPERATION HAS ASCENDING GROWTH

Hayots Ashkharh Daily, Armenia
Sept 26 2007

Armenian Prime-Minister Serge Sargsyan’s official visit to the Russian
Federation launched yesterday.

In the morning Serge Sargsyan met his Russian partner Victor Zubkov.

"I came here with certain proposals and I hope during our dialogue
we will manage to find common approaches about them," Serge Sargsyan
underscored.

Victor Zubkov considered Armenian-Russian relations long-term,
developing in a sustainable manner and friendly. " The dialogue between
the two countries is of continuous nature. Our cooperation has got an
ascending growth. The regular meetings and dialogues between Presidents
R. Kocharyan and V. Putin gave a special rhythm to Armenian-Russian
cooperation in all the directions," V. Zubkov underscored.

Speaking with satisfaction about the cooperation of the two countries
in economic, humanitarian and other spheres, as well as high-level
political relations Victor Zubkov expressed conviction that these
relations will continue after the 2008 presidential elections in
Russia and Armenia.

During the meeting Prime-Ministers Victor Zubkov and Serge Sargsyan
spoke about the implementation of the agreements reached during
the 9th session of the inter-governmental committee, as well as
the implementation of the long-term projects of cooperation between
Armenia and Russia, before 2010.

During the tete-a-tete the two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction
about the growth of the economic cooperation between Russia and
Armenia, high pace of commodity circulation and the level of Russian
financial investments in Armenia’s economy. They also spoke about the
growth of commodity circulation between the two countries during the
first six months of 2007, which made up 72,1%, as compared to 2006.

The Prime Ministers said investment cooperation also develops
successfully between Armenia and Russia. During the first six
months of this year Russia made 74 million US dollar’s investment
in Armenia’s economy, 3,8 times more as compared to the same period
of the previous year. The two sides highly appreciated the level of
Armenian -Russian military technical cooperation. Meanwhile the Prime
Ministers underscored that bilateral economic cooperation has got a
huge potential for cooperation.

The ceremony of signing documents was held at the end of the meeting.

ACCORDING TO ROBERT KOCHARIAN, VISIT OF PRIMATE OF ENGLISH CHURCH TO ARMENIA WILL STIMULATE COOPERATION WITH ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH
Editor: Eghian Robert

Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 26 2007

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 26, NOYAN TAPAN. Robert Kocharian, the President of
the Republic of Armenia, received Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop
of Canterbury and the primate of the English church, and Garegin II,
the Catholicos of All Armenians, on September 25.

The interrelations between the church and the state, the role of
the church in spiritual upbringing and education, the deepening of
friendly relations between the Armenian and English churches were
spoken about during the meeting.

The RA President expressed conviction that the visit of the primate of
the English church to Armenia will greatly stimulate the deepening of
the cooperation with the Armenian Apostolic Church. Mentioning that the
Armenian church has always supported the Armenian people and played
an irreplaceable role from the point of view of the preservation of
national identity, Robert Kocharian said that today as well the church
continues to be of important significance for statehood building by
cooperating with the state.

The Archbishop of Canterbury stressed the centuries-old friendly
relations between the English and Armenian churches. He and the
Catholicos of All Armenians made assertions about their readiness to
henceforth as well continue and strengthen those relations.

According to the information provided to Noyan Tapan by the RA
President’s Press Office, the President of the Republic of Armenia
referred to the process of the Karabakh conflict settlement, the
economic situation of the country, as well as to the development
prospects at the suggestion of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

SERGE SARGSYAN IS RETURNING TONIGHT

A1+
[06:05 pm] 26 September, 2007

Today morning RA delegation headed by Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan
met with Yury Lujkov, the Mayor of Moscow.

Underlining the high-level bilateral relations, the Armenian prime
minister voiced hope that many-fold relations between the Yerevan and
Moscow municipalities as well as between the two governments promote
the two countries’ partnership.

According to Yury Lujkov, Armenian-Russian relations are gradually
deepening and turning from educational-cultural relations into
practical ones.

Special attention should be drawn to commercial relations, he said.

Once you visit Armenia, you understand that Armenian goods are of
great demand and they should have their honorable place at the Moscow
markets. It is vital to open retail centers to promote realisation
of Armenian products, Lujkov said.

Presently, issues related to migration, unemployment, living-conditions
of temporary inhabitants are under consideration in Moscow.

Taking into account historical and spiritual ties between the two
countries, as well as Russia’s scientific and cultural great potential,
the prime minister noted that Armenia is ready to promote reciprocal
cultural, educational, informative and scientific-technical relations.

After the meeting Serge Sargsyan visited the newly-built Armenian
Church and the RA Embassy in the Russian Federation. The Armenian
delegation will be back to Armenia tonight.