FRANCE IMPATIENTLY AWAITING YEAR OF ARMENIA START

PanARMENIAN.Net
03.07.2006 16:03 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ September 12 Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanian and French FM Philippe Douste-Blazy will open the Year of
Armenia in France, French President’s Diplomatic Advisor Laurent Bili
stated at a press conference in Yerevan. In his words, both sides
are ready to introduce the program of events including exhibitions,
concerts, meeting with Armenian art workers. "Events will be held not
only in Paris but also in the other French cities. We are impatiently
waiting for the opening of the Year of Armenia, since this country
is dear for us," Bili said.

He also said that the main purpose of the Year is to represent this
country to the world. Mr Bili is convinced that the Year of Armenia
in France will become symbolic for both states. "Armenia is a wonder
of a young state with centuries-old history. The French will be
represented the art of ancient and modern Armenia and the art of the
Armenian Diaspora.

Culture is a dialogue of civilizations. It also promotes tourism and
economic development," Laurent Bili underscored.

As for the financing, the French government will assign 0.5 million
euros. "Some private persons also gave consent to finance the events. I
suppose the sum will total in 1.5-2 million euros. However this figure
is preliminary," the French President’s Advisor said.