DASHNAKS OPPOSED TO ARMENIAN ANTHEM CHANGE
By Ruzanna Khachatrian and Gayane Danielian

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Aug. 10, 2006

A senior member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(Dashnaktsutyun) voiced on Thursday strong opposition to government
plans to change Armenia’s current national anthem which was first
adopted by the nationalist party when it ruled the country in
1918-1920.

The "Mer Hayrenik" (Our Fatherland) song had an official status until
the short-lived first independent Armenian republic was incorporated
into Soviet Russia. It was for decades banned by the Soviet authorities
before being reinstated by Armenia’s first post-Communist government
in 1990.

Many Armenian music composers and artists disapproved of the move,
saying that the song’s uncomplicated theme is too simple for an anthem
and calling for the adoption of a more solemn tune. The Armenian
government heeded their concerns early this year, setting up an hoc
commission tasked with suggesting alternative anthems.

The 22-strong commission, which consists of prominent intellectuals,
artists and government officials, short-listed on Wednesday five out
of 85 songs submitted by local composers. The short-list includes
Soviet Armenia’s former anthem with changed lyrics that no longer
glorify Soviet rule and the Communist Party.

The head of the commission, Culture Minister Hasmik Poghosian, said
the contest will finish later this year. "It is very difficult to
make the right choice," she said. "But we must pick the best one."

The song that will be chosen by the commission is expected to be
submitted by the government to the National Assembly for approval.

Gegham Manukian, a parliament deputy from Dashnaktsutyun, said the
party, which is represented in the government, will likely draft a
separate bill that would uphold the status of "Mer Hayrenik." "We
hope it will pass," he told RFE/RL. "Since there are no or almost no
music composers in parliament, the vote will be more impartial."

Manukian also dismissed the commission’s significance, saying that
the Armenian authorities have not yet made a final decision on the
anthem. "The ultimate decision will be a political one," he said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress