FRANCE WAS AMONG THE FIRST TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO ARMENIA IN 1988
armradio.am
08.12.2008 17:55
On December 8 the President of Parliament of the Republic of Armenia,
Hovik Abrahamyan received members of the National Assembly of France,
Chairman of the France-Armenia Friendship Group Francois Roshblaun and
Vice-Chairman Rene Ruke, who visit Armenia to attend the commemoration
of the 20th anniversary of the devastating earthquake of 1988. The
meeting was attended by Head of the Armenia-France Deputy Friendship
Group Ara Babloyan and Chairman of the National Assembly’s Standing
Committee on European Integration Avet Adonts.
Hovik Abrahamyan noted that by inviting them to Armenia on the 20th
anniversary of the 14988 earthquake, he once again wanted to express
gratitude for the assistance and warm attitude to the Armenian
people. In December 1988 Armenia had become the centre of attention
of the world and tens of countries rushed to render humanitarian
assistance to the casualties. France was the first to send rescuers,
doctors and constructors to Armenia.
Turning to the Armenian-French interparliamentary ties, the Armenian
Parliament Speaker attached importance t the active work of the
Deputy Friendship Groups and reciprocal visits, which can contribute
to the development of cooperation in other spheres. The President of
Parliament expressed gratitude to the National Assembly of France for
adopting the bill on criminalizing the Armeni an Genocide denial. He
stressed the importance of France’s assistance to Armenia on the path
of European Integration. Mr. Abrahamyan invited the President of the
National Assembly of France, Bernard Accoyer to Armenia.
Chairman of the France-Armenian Deputy Friendship Group Francois
Roshblaun is visiting Armenia for the 17th time. He first came to
Armenia in 1990 and he saw a completely different Gyumri then and now.
Mr. Roshblaun said he emphasizes the importance of Armenia’s
membership to the International Organization of the Francophonie,
which is another evidence of French Armenian friendship.
During the meeting reference was made to the cooperation between
Armenian and French Deputies within the Parliamentary Assembly of
the Council of Europe and other issues.