MARIOS GAROYAN: I AM PROUD OF MY ARMENIAN ROOTS

Noyan Tapan

Nov 12, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 12, NOYAN TAPAN. "A dream of life today is coming
true, both at the personal and political level," Marios Garoyan, the
Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus,
said at the RA National Assembly November 12 sitting expressing deep
gratitude for the invitation to visit Armenia. "I wish realization
of dreams to the Armenian people, as my dream to visit the land of
my ancestors came true," he said.

The high-ranking guest in his speech, in particular, said that the
brotherly contacts between Cyprus and Armenia are based on both
"common historic experience and common struggle against the same
rival" and harmonious principles and values guiding the policy of
the two countries’ governments and parliaments, their contribution
in international reality. It was also mentioned that though the two
countries’ contacts are at an excellent level, nevertheless there
are great possibilities for their expansion and deepening, which is
the goal of his visit.

"We wish to expand the current contacts in the economic and trade
spheres knowing that Armenia is developing quickly. On its part Cyprus
may propose its comparative advantages due to its being a member of EU
from 2004 and becoming a member of euro zone from the beginning of the
current year, as well as being between 3 geostrategic continents. I
hope the businessmen accompanying me will hold effective meetings
with the Armenian partners in this direction. Besides, we are ready
to provide assistance in many spheres that will interest Armenia,
as it was with the scholarships proposed by Cyprus Aid," M. Garoyan
said. He also mentioned that this visit gives him a possibility
to express gratitude on bahalf of Cyprus to Armenia for assistance
provided in the fair struggle for the unification of that country
and people. "Assistance, which, certainly, does not remain one-sided,
but is compensated ardently. Cyprus also, basing itself on positions
of principle, assists the Armenian people without a hesitation,"
M. Garoyan stated.

After the official speech M. Garoyan wished to publicly say what
had been accumulated in his soul for many years. He expressed much
gratitude to his grandmother from his father’s side, who implanted
adherence to Armenian values in him from his childhood and as an
eye-witness of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 told and bequeathed to
him for wherever he is, whatever he becomes, never to forget "this
people, which is a peaceable people, has values, ancient-old culture,
and the only thing it asks from the world is its right, to have its
homeland, to have the right to pray in its churches."

He also said that his grandmother has bequeathed to him always to keep
Cyprus on his mind and in his heart, which after the Genocide of 1915
cordially and warmly received the migrant Armenian people. M. Garoyan
concluded his speech by the call "Viva Armenia and Viva the Republic
of Cyprus!," in response to which the audience stood up and applauded.