ROBERT KOCHARYAN AND JACQUES CHIRAC ADDRESS ARMENIAN AND FRENCH PEOPLE

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
September 26, 2006 Tuesday

Armenia and France will mark the centuries-long friendship of the
two countries through a number of exclusive events starting from
September 21 2006 to July 14 2007, says the joint message of the two
countries’ presidents on the occasion of the opening of Armenia’s
Year in France. The message, particularly, says that while Armenia is
celebrating its 15th independence anniversary, the Year of Armenia
in France will contribute two deepening of the countries’ exclusive
relations. It will introduce the world community to the Armenian
civilization prospering between the West and the East, the presidents
say. Over 400 events will take place throughout the territory of France
to inform the French people of the ancient Armenian civilization. The
events will also present the fate of the Armenian people that has
participated in the world developments for centuries.

The presidents express satisfaction that the Year of Armenia in
France will officially start in Yerevan with a concert by Charles
Aznavour. Robert Kocharyan and Jacques Chirac express confidence
that the year of Armenia in France will not only deepen the cultural,
but also the economic and scientific cooperation.