news.am, Armenia
May 1 2010

Armenian delegation to discuss cultural heritage issues in Georgia

10:53 / 05/01/2010A delegation of the RA Ministry of culture plans to
discuss the problem of preserving the Armenian cultural heritage in
Georgia with their Georgian counterpart next week. The consultations
will be held during the Days of Armenian Culture in Georgia to be
opened on May 3, a Deputy Minister of Culture Artur Poghosyan told
NEWS.am.

He aid that the issue of restoring the Mugnetsots church in Tbilisi is
high on the agenda. The church collapsed last year. The sides will
also discuss the problem of the Surb Yererman church in Akhaltsikha.
`Our delegation visited Tbilisi two days after the church collapsed.
We decided to work out joint restoration plans. The issue of financing
will be settled later. As regards Surb Yererman in Akhaltsikha, it was
built in the 13th century. In the 17th century it was handed over to
the local catholic community. But there are treasures of ancient
Armenian culture, khachkars (cross stones) and inscriptions, there. We
intend to express out concern over their future,’ Poghosyan said.

He also pointed out that the state of the Tbilisi Armenian Drama
arouses concern as well. `The theater is on the point of being closed.
The building is in a deplorable state and badly needs repairing. Of
the situation remains unchanged, plays will not be possible to stage.
We plan to discuss the problem with out Georgian counterparts,’
Poghosyan said.

He expressed optimism the problems will be resolved, as `our Georgian
partners have always tried to show understanding of the problems
raised by the Armenian side.’

T.P.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress