MICHEL LEGRAND: TURKEY HAS TO GIVE BACK
Lragir.am
04/02/10
The year 2010 is declared Michele Legrand’s year in France and is
marked by the 50th anniversary of his work. Recently the great maestro
has been to Krasnodar about which the Armenian informational center
in Russia "Yerkramas" informed.
On the second day of his stay in Krasnodar, at the invitation of the
Diocese Armenian Apostolic Church of Southern Russia, Bishop Movses
Movsesyan, Michel Legrand visited the residence of the head. As the
journal "Khachkar" informs, the musician said about his Armenian
roots as well as he said that several years ago, being in Western
Armenia (current Turkey) he wanted to visit his home town where his
grandfather lived but the Turkish government did not let him.
"The fact that Turkey does not want to recognize the Genocide means
that it will never become a member of the European community. Now
relations between Armenia and Turkey are normalizing which is good,
but it will be better if Turkey returns to Armenia its territories
which it stole. Though I understand quite well that it is impossible",
said Legrand.
"Notwithstanding the fact that I was born in Paris, and my life,
mostly passed in Europe, a part of my "I" is Armenian. I am familiar
with the Armenian culture, Armenian music, I read a lot about the
history of my ancient and wonderful country", added the maestro.
On behalf of the Diocese, Bishop Movses Movsesyan presented as a gift
to the guest memorable cross-stone, carved out of wood.
After receiving Monsieur Legrand with his wife, they visited the
Armenian Church, where he staged a candle and listened to a short
liturgy.