SQUARE OF RUSSIA IN YEREVAN SYMBOL OF LOYALTY TO ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN FRIENDSHIP

ARKA
Oct 21, 2008

YEREVAN, October 21. /ARKA/. Square of Russia in Yerevan will be not
only a promenade for Yerevan residents and guests, but also a symbol of
loyalty to Armenian-Russian friendship for the benefit of both nations,
RA President Serge Sargsyan stated at the opening ceremony on Tuesday.

"Today is a momentous day – we are opening Square of Russia at
the very heart of Yerevan in Russian President’s presence. This is
one more reminder of the deep roots of our peoples’ ties," stated
Armenia’s President.

The opening ceremony was attended by RF President Dmitry Medvedev,
high-ranking officials and numerous citizens.

The RA President stressed the Russian people’s unique contribution to
"the treasury of world civilization," and the Armenian and Russian
flags fluttering over the square are a symbol of "not only our
alliance, but also of common culture and history."

"Square of Russia is a harmonious architectural space between the
Yerevan Municipality and the House of Moscow," S. Sargsyan said.

Armenia’s President pointed out the symbolic fact that the "Erevan
fortress was located nearby, which is evidence of the scale of
Armenian-Russian relations."

"It is over this fortress that the Russian flag was first hoisted
on October 1, 1827. It was there the Russian garrison under General
Paskevich was stationed, and Alexander Griboyedov’s immortal comedy
‘Wit Works Woe’ was first staged in the author’s presence.

Today this square is becoming another symbol of loyalty to our peoples’
centuries-old traditional friendship and spiritual affinity, just
like the famous St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square in Moscow, one
of the side-chapels of which is named after Grigory the Illuminator,"
stated Armenia’s leader.

President Sargsyan also pointed out that Armenian-Russian friendship
have always been strong during the whole history despite all the
hardships.

"Moreover, it has become stronger, taking on new sense," he said.

Square of Russia is a 200-meter-long section of Arshishti St., divided
by a lawn, with the Yerevan Municipality and Museum of Yerevan on
the one side and House of Moscow on the other.