AZG Armenian Daily #148, 23/08/2005

Adventure

‘CILICIA’ REACHES FINAL DESTINATION IN LONDON

Second Stage of Navigation Completes

“Cilicia” completed the second stage of its “Navigation in 7 Seas,” reaching
Portsmouth. The trip lasted about a year.

RA President Robert Kocharian send a congratulation massage to Karen
Balayan, the captain of the ship, and the crew. The message says the
following: “Overcoming long distances and hazards, you proudly sailed under
the flag of our motherland, displaying strong will and firmness.” Arkady
Ghukasian, president of NKR, said that it is symbolic that the first stage
of the navigation ended on the eve of the 14th anniversary of Nagorno
Karabakh’s independence. “I am greatly proud of you, as well as all the
Artsakhi people are. I am sure that your deed will be an invaluable
phenomenon for the further generations and they will follow your example.”

Sos Sargsian’s letter is also very exciting. “I was with you in my mind
during your navigation. I always talked to Zory Balayan and the rest of you
on the phone, and only after that my soul rested in serenity. I am with you
at the very moment when “Cilicia” has reached its final harbor. I am
grateful to you that today we have “Cilicia” and I hope it will return to
its native Sevan.”

Serge Sargsian, RA defense minister, remembers the day when he first sailed
“Cilicia” in 2003. “Few people believed that this really daring navigation
would be a success. But one only needed to get acquainted with the crew that
built the ship, to see its middle age construction, to realize how
responsible and devoted these brave people are.” Mr. Sargsian who
accompanied “Cilicia” in the Strait of Gibraltar experienced unforgettable
moments. Yervand Zakaryan, Yerevan mayor, also congratulated the crew of the
ship. “This historical event let the flag of the independent Armenia wave in
the Atlantic Ocean after 800 years,” he said.

By Ruzan Poghosian