ARF Supreme Body Opposes Idea Of Changing Country’s Anthem

ARF SUPREME BODY OPPOSES IDEA OF CHANGING COUNTRY’S ANTHEM

Yerkir
28.08.2006 18:17

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Armenian Revolutionary Federation Supreme Body of
Armenia made a statement on Monday, reaffirming its position that the
"Mer Hairenik" should remain the country’s anthem.

Below is the text of the statement

The recent constitutional amendments provide that Armenia’s anthem
should be defined by law. But some circles groundlessly interpret
the law as a constitutional requirement to change the current anthem.

A commission has been established to draft a law on the Armenian
anthem.

However, the commission, based on unclear reasons, decided that its
task is to deny the "Mer Hairenik" (Our Homeland) and replace it with
another anthem. A campaign against the "Mer Hairenik" is apparent.

The situation when the national and state values are replaced with
mere esthetical ones is becoming very concerning and regrettable. A
country’s anthem is created and established through time only when
the logic of historical development makes it an inseparable part
of the nation’s fate and biography. This is what the "Mer Hairenik"
has become after entering its third century.

The ARF Supreme Body of Armenia

– Considering unacceptable the unhealthy environment set up around
one of the most important symbols of our state – "Mer Hairenik" – as
well as the work-style of the commission and the atmosphere it has
created; – Reiterating that love and respect towards the state are
strengthened first of all through forming respect towards its symbols

Announces the withdrawal of its representative from the commission
and its intention to draft a law to reaffirm the "Mer Hairenik"
as the country’s anthem.