ITAR-TASS, Russia
May 29 2005

Singer Charles Aznavur to visit his father’s native town in Georgia

29.05.2005, 06.15

TBILISI, May 29 (Itar-Tass) – Charles Aznavur, 81, a famous French
signer and composer of the Armenian origin, will visit Georgia at the
invitation of President Mikhail Saakashvili on Sunday.

A source told Itar-Tass that Aznavur was expected to arrive in
Tbilisi on Sunday noon. After spending two hours in Tbilisi, he will
leave for his father’s native town of Akhaltsikhe in southern
Georgia. The singer’s grandparents are also buried there.

The Aznavuryan family moved from Georgia to Greece a hundred years
ago. It later settled in France where Charles was born.

Charles Aznavur’s distant relatives are currently living in
Akhaltsikhe. One of them, Laura Bagdasaryan, told reporters several
days ago that they were carefully keeping the photographs of
Aznavur’s grandfarther, grandmother and farther.

The residents of Akhaltsikhe are looking forward to seeing Aznavur.
He will be given a hearty welcome. The local folk groups will give a
concert in his honour.

Aznavur will end his trip to Georgia late on Sunday.