CHARLES AZNAVOUR ARRIVES IN YEREVAN BY THE MAIDEN FLIGHT OF AIR FRANCE

AZG Armenian Daily
12/04/2006

Air France launched its activities in Armenia by its first flight
on March 27. Henry Cuny, French ambassador in Armenia, represented
the guests that arrived in Yerevan by the first flight of Air France,
namely RA ambassador in France, counselor of French President Jacques
Chirac, the representatives of the French parliamentary friendship
group. Outstanding singer Charles Aznavour also was aboard this flight.

Emphasizing the importance of opening Air France office in Yerevan,
ambassador Cuny, stated that it is of great political importance, as
the company’s activities in Armenia will contribute to strengthening
of relations between our countries. He also pointed out to the economic
importance of the newly opened office of Air France that will establish
everyday communication between Armenia and France through the flights
of the French company and ArmAvia.

“What can I say? I am not a French Armenian. I want to emphasize with
pride that I am a Frenchman with Armenian origin. I am a Frenchman by
my homeland and education, but by my spirit, heart and family relations
I am an Armenian,” Charles Aznavour stated in his speech. Though
Mr. Cuny introduced Mr. Aznavour as one of the honored first passengers
of the first Paris-Yerevan flight of Air France, Mr. Aznavour said that
he had the impression that he was the representative of Air France.

Mr. Aznavour emphasized the importance of spreading the French
language in Armenia, stating that he would like the French to be
at least the third language in Armenia, as the second language is
already Russian. “I am glad to be here,” he said in the end of his
speech and added already in Armenian: “See you soon.”