GATHERING-EVENING OF FRENCH ARMENIAN COMMUNITY TAKES PLACE IN MARSEILLES

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 13 2006

MARSEILLES, JUNE 13, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A gathering-evening
of the Armenian community of Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azure, France, took
place in Marseilles on June 8. It was initiated by Regional Council
Chairman Michel Vauzelle, and its’ guest of honour was Ambassador of
Armenia in Paris Edvard Nalbandian. About 300 representatives of the
Armenian community organizations of the region were present at the
evening. The region Chairman and the Armenian Ambassador made opening
speeches, heads of Armenian organizations made speeches as well.

As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and
Information Department, in his speech Ambassador Nalbandian touched
upon preparatory works connected with the year of Armenia in France,
mentioning that it is envisaged to hold more than 300 events in about
50 cities of France from September 2006 to the next September. The
events will take place in the most authoritative halls and institutions
of France.

The Ambassador also attached importance to decentralized cooperation,
as an important component of the Armenian-French traditional friendship
relations, and emphasized that within the framework of the year of
Armenia in France, a conference dedicated to the Armenian-French
decentralized cooperation was organized in Paris on October 17, 2006,
under the patronage of the National Assembly and Senate heads, in
which delegations from sister-cities and regions, the two countries’
parliamentary friendship groups will participate.

Prospects of cooperation established between the region of
Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azure and the marz of Lori in the spheres of
agriculture, health care, education and culture were discussed.

Those making speeches touched upon the law adopted by France
concerning recognition of the Armenian Genocide and its possible
addition by the principle condemning its refusal. It was stated that
necessity of condemning refusal by force of law arises just for the
reason that Turkey continues to lead refusing policy at the state
level and successively to refuse reality of the Armenian Genocide,
giving reason for its new displays and outbursts.

Issues connected with a visit to be paid to Armenia by
Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azure Regional Council Chairman Michel
Vauzelle in the first half of this year were also discussed. A large
representative delegation, Mayors, Deputies, representatives of local
authorities and public organizations as well as a group of businessmen
will accompany M.Vauzelle during the visit.

Provence-Alpes-Cote D’Azur is considered one of important regions of
France which involves six departments and has an influential role in
political and economic life of whole France.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress