11:45,

YEREVAN, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS. A proposal to erect a statue of Charles Aznavour has been passed by the Yerevan City Council.

Charles Aznavour, the world-famous French-Armenian singer, died in 2018 at the age of 94. Aznavour sold more than 100 million records in 80 countries.

A square in central Yerevan was named after him in 2001. In 2004, Aznavour received the title of National Hero of Armenia – the country's highest state award – in recognition of his support for his homeland. 

Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Tigran Avinyan told city councilors on March 15 that ahead of the legendary crooner’s 100th anniversary of birth the Aznavour Foundation proposed to install his statue in Yerevan. Avinyan said the central part of France Square in downtown Yerevan – where the Jules Bastien-Lepage statue by Auguste Rodin is currently standing – has been chosen as the location for the statue of Aznavour.  Avinyan said the location was selected given that city authorities already had plans to move the Jules Bastien-Lepage statue closer to the sidewalk for passersby to have a better view.

Avinyan said that by installing the Aznavour statue the city will “properly appreciate, value and promote the world famous Armenian artist, great humanitarian and public figure’s creative heritage and eternalize his memory.”

The motion was adopted by the city council unanimously.