Author: Khondkarian Raffi

RA NA SPEAKER RECEIVES IPA CIS SECRETARY GENERAL

National Assembly of RA
March 26 3009
Armenia

On March 25 RA NA Speaker Mr Hovik Abrahamyan received the Secretary
General of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth
Independent States (IPA CIS) Mr Mikhail Krotov.

Mr Krotov conveyed good wishes to the NA Speaker from Mr Sergey
Mironov, Chairman of IPA CIS and Chairman of CSTO IPA Mr Boris Gryzlov
and the invitation to take part at IPA CIS 32nd plenary session to
be held in Saint Petersburg on May 14-15.

During the meeting the sides touched upon the issues included on
the agenda of the IPA CIS 32nd plenary session to be held in Saint
Petersburg on May 14-15 and events to be envisaged. They discussed
issues regarding the further cooperation and issues of bilateral
interest.

NA Speaker Mr Hovik Abrahamyan ensured the participation of the NA
delegation headed by him at the works of the session.

ARMENIAN MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS SEVERELY AFFECTED GIANTS OF ARMENIAN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

ArmInfo
2009-03-20 14:35:00

ArmInfo. Due to the global financial crisis, both the chemical industry
giants in Armenia Nairit Plant and Vanadzor Chemical Complex have faced
severe problems, Armenian Minister for Energy and Natural Resources
Armen Movsisyan told ArmInfo commenting on the claim by the Electric
Networks of Armenia (ENA) CJSC against Nairit Plant.

The minister said both the enterprises have faced sales problems
and are reluctant to suspend activity until the global tariffs are
stabilized. In the meanwhile, maintenance of engineering process at
these enterprises also requires serious energy resources. As a result,
Nairit Plant accumulated debts to the ENA. ‘This claim will not change
anything. The electric networks are first of all interested in activity
of big enterprises to extend their sales’, the minister said. He
highlighted that the leadership of ENA CJSC is constructive. The
parties agreed that Nairit will pay the current debts. As regards the
remaining, a schedule of repayment is being drafted. ‘It is a normal
process especially for such big and serious companies. In addition,
Nairit Plant is one of the largest electricity and gas consumers’,
the minister said.

To recall, Electric Networks of Armenia CJSC (ENA) claimed declaring
bankrupt the only producer of rubb er in Armenia, Nairit Plant,
ENA Press Secretary Margarita Grigoryan told ArmInfo Thursday.

She said the plant’s debt to the ENA as of March 1 2009 totaled
963 million drams ($2.6 million on current rate). ‘Nairit Plant
has never paid for electricity timely and has accumulated big debts
over the last three years, which made us lodge against the company’,
she said. The claim was submitted to the court in February 2009.

At the request of ArmInfo, Press Secretary of Nairit Plant Anush
Haroutiunyan commented on the situation and called the problem a ‘soap
bubble’. She said the plant has already launched production and the
first output is expected in the mid April. ‘We will have enough funds
to pay for the electricity used. Over 20-30 claims were submitted with
demand to declare us bankrupt but no claim has been satisfied yet’,
she said.

Anush Haroutiunyan mentioned that the plant has been idling since the
end of 2008 because of the fall of world demand for rubber due to the
global economic crisis. In 2006 a 90%pct stake in Nairit Plant was
sold to Rainoville Property Limited for $40 million, the remaining
10pct stake belongs to the government.

MARANI VODKA SPIRIT AWARDED STAR DIAMOND AWARD FOR 2009 BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF HOSPITALITY SCIENCES

Marketwire
March 18, 2009 Wednesday 11:22 AM GMT

Marani Brands, Inc. (OTCBB: MRIB) has been awarded the coveted Five
Star Diamond Award for 2009 by the members of The American Academy
of Hospitality Sciences ().

The Five Star Diamond Award is given to organizations that consistently
maintain the overall standards of high quality and superb performance
necessary to designate it as One of the Finest in its Category and
Classification. The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences is
renowned worldwide for awarding excellence in the global travel and
luxury services sector. Each year the Academy bestows its awards
exclusively on five star establishments that are deemed to be the
pinnacle of quality.

"As an organization striving for excellence, we are extremely honored
to receive this award in 2009. We would like to thank the Members
of The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences for bestowing this
award upon us by recognizing Marani Vodka Spirit as one of the best
in its class for a second year in a row. To have received this award
both in 2008 and 2009 demonstrates our commitment to providing an
ultra-premium spirit that represents quality and authenticity,"
said Marani CEO Ara Zartarian.

About Marani Brands, Inc. Marani Brands, Inc. develops, positions,
markets and distributes fine wine and spirit products in the United
States. Its signature product, "Marani Vodka," is an ultra-premium
vodka manufactured exclusively for Marani in Armenia. It is made
from late-harvest Armenian winter wheat, distilled three times,
filtered twenty-five times and then, through a proprietary process,
is aged in oak barrels lined with honey and skimmed dried milk to give
it its unique taste. Marani Vodka was awarded the Gold Medal in the
prestigious International Spirit Competition, held in San Francisco,
California, in both 2004 and 2007 and the coveted Five Star Diamond
Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences in 2008 and
2009. Please enjoy Marani Premium Vodka Spirit responsibly and in
moderation.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release contain forward-looking
statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. This
forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions,
including, among others, presently known physical data concerning
size and character of reservoirs and economic recoverability. Some
of these expectations may be based upon assumptions or judgments that
prove to be incorrect. In addition, operations involve numerous risks
and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Marani Brands’ control,
which could result in expectations not be realized or otherwise
materially affect the financial condition, results of operation and
cash flows. Additional information regarding these and other risks
are contained in Marani Brands’ filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

For more information on Marani Brands visit:

ADMINISTRATIVE COURT OF ARMENIA INVALIDATES AUCTION OF BJNI PLANT’S COMPULSORY SALE

Noyan Tapan
March 19, 2009

YEREVAN, MARCH 19, NOYAN TAPAN. The Adminstrative Court of Armenia
presided over by Judge Artsrun Mirzoyan on March 19 invalidated
the auction of compulsory sale of "Bjni" Mineral Water Plant, NT
correspondent was informed by spokeswoman for the RA Cassation Court
Alina Yengoyan.

To recap, the complusory electronic re-auction of the property
and property rights of "Bjni" Mineral Water Plant company finished
on February 16. During 10 days of the auction, one bid was filed,
according to which the sale price of the lot amounted to 4 billion
441.5 million drams. The National Assembly deputy, businessman Ruben
Hayrapetian had purchased the plant by auction.

RESTORED ARMENIAN CEMETERY READY FOR FIRST RELIGIOUS CEREMONY SINCE 1963

Gibrahayer
17 March 2009
Nicosia

The newly restored Armenian Cemetery near the Ledra Palace will be
welcoming members of the Armenian community of Cyprus for the first
time in 46 years for a religious ceremony that will take place this
Sunday 22 March at 11:00 am.

During the service, the remains exhumed previously will be laid to
rest in accordance with the rites of the Armenian Church.

As of next year at Merelots, there will be a memorial every year,
in the Sourp Boghos chapel within the cemetery premises.

RUSSIAN LOAN TO ARMENIA IS NOT "CHARITY"

Golos Armenii
March 3 2009
Armenia

Russia’s 500m-dollar stabilization loan to Armenia is not charity.

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan dismissed reports that Armenia is the
"poor cousin" in its relations with Moscow.

Russia’s objective is to "minimize risks for its capital" and the loan
will help improve the macroeconomic environment for 1,000 enterprises
with Russian capital in Armenia.

The loan is "not a charity to the poor Armenian people, but a mutually
beneficial transaction between partners."

CEC RECEIVES NO BID FOR NOMINATION FROM ANY POLITICAL FORCE ON FIRST DAY OF NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTIONS OF YEREVAN COUNCIL OF ALDERMEN

Noyan Tapan

M arch 17, 2009

YEREVAN, MARCH 17, NOYAN TAPAN. The Central Electoral Commission (CEC)
of Armenia did not receive a bid for nomination from any political
force on March 17 – the first day of nominations for elections
of Yerevan Council of Aldermen, NT correspondent was informed by
spokesperson for CEC Tatev Ohanian.

The deadline for presentation of the documents necessary for the
registration of parties and party blocs is March 22, 6 pm.

IS IT TIME FOR THE PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA TO ADDRESS THE NATION AND THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY?
Lena Badeyan

"Radiolur"
16.03.2009 17:25

When President Serzh Sargsyan first addressed the people and the
National Assembly on October 2, 2008, he said the addresses would
be periodical. Many events have taken place in Armenia ever since,
which require al least the comments of the President, if not to
say answers. Has the time matured for the second presidential
address? Which are the questions to be addressed?

Press Secretary of the Republican Party of Armenia, MP Edward
Sharmazanov said: "I think there should be an address within the
coming months. I don’t mean it should take place today, tomorrow,
or this month, but in my opinion, there will be a new address within
the coming months."

Will it precede or follow the elections to the Yerevan City Council? "I
don’t think the President’s addresses are linked to this or that
political process. Presidential addressed are usually connected
with the moral-psychological and other situations in the country,"
Sharmazanov said.

According to the Head of the "Heritage" faction Armen Martirisyan,
the President of the Republic should address the people only when
he has something important to say and in case it marks the start of
a new process, be it political, economic or public. "At this point,
we, naturally, have many questions, about which the President should
have a say," he noted.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Opposition candidate can garner over 60% at Yerevan Mayor election,
Heritage party says
13.03.2009 19:11 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ `The Heritage Party and RA National Congress haven’t
yet arrived to a mutual decision on the format and the list of
candidates for forthcoming Mayoral Elections. The issue is still under
consideration,’ Heritage Faction Leader Armen Martirosyan stated.

As for Heritage, the Party has already discussed and taken a decision
submitted to ANK members’ consideration. ` It’s great if have a single
candidate, if no ` we’ll just repeat the experience of 2007.’
Martirosyan stated. When questioned whether his candidature has been
nominated, Martirosyan responded that though not ambitious, he would
be ready to accept the position should the opposition consider it
necessary.

The Heritage Leader stated that the ruling Republican Party refrained
from putting Taron Margaryan in the top of the list, as he enjoys the
love of people and within some time would refuse to acknowledge the
authorities.

The Government needs a controllable person to hold Yerevan Mayor
position, so the Republican Party decided upon Gagik Beglaryan to top
the candidates list.

According to Martirosyan’s forecasts, opposition might have over 60%
votes at Mayoral elections. The outcome depends on how many votes
would authorities deduct, citing electoral violations. `If current
elections register 20% less violations than at 2008 elections, the
Opposition will win the elections, ‘ Martirosyan told PanARMENIAN.Net
reporter.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

LEBANESE STATE MINISTER OF ADMINISTRATIVE DEVELOPMENT IBRAHIM SHAMSEDDINE
VISITS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

On Thursday 12 March 2009 His Excellency Ibrahim Shamseddine visited His
Holiness Aram I to expose the administrative plans for Lebanon foreseen
prior the forthcoming Parliamentary elections in June 2009. After exchange
of ideas, the Minister expressed his appreciation for His Holiness Aram I’s
position on this matter. Catholicos Aram I insisted that the common good
should precede all personal exploits at a time when citizens are facing deep
social and economic problems. He then added that all candidates should gear
their electoral campaigns for the benefit of Lebanon and its citizens.

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View the photo here:
tos/Photos362.htm#5
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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.