ARMENIAN STOCK EXCHANGE TO BECOME A PRIVATE STRUCTURE; CB HOLDS NEGOTIATIONS WITH OMEX

Mediamax Agency, Armenia
Feb 5 2007

Yerevan, February 5 /Mediamax/. Armenian Stock Exchange will become
a private structure, Chairman of the Armenian Central Bank Tigran
Sarkisian stated in Yerevan today.

Mediamax reports that Tigran Sarkisian stated that there are
negotiations being held with the Stockholm Stock Exchange (OMEX),
which has considerable experience as an exchange owner in countries
with transitional economy.

Tigran Sarkisian stated that today, examinations of 30 companies are
being held, which may agree to realizing open activities, presenting
audit reports, placing securities on the stock exchange and etc. He
noted that in 2007, through OMEX the shares of a few Armenian companies
will be placed.

According to the assessments of the Central Bank, for the development
of the securities market, it is necessary to have 7-12 companies with
the capital of $40-70mln.