Robert Kocharian and Jacques Chirac Opened France Square in Center of Yerevan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Today Armenian President Robert Kocharian and French President Jacques Chirac took part in the solemn opening ceremony of the Square of France. In his speech the Armenian President said in part, "This is a remarkable day for us: the Square of France opened in the heart of Yerevan. Thousand of years have passed since French monks stepped on the Cilician land where they were received as kin, where they worked and fought together with the Armenians. The friendship of our peoples originates from those times and became stronger with years acquiring a new sense. The ideas of the French enlighteners had a great impact on the development of the Armenian thought. The renaissance of the Armenian culture in the 19th century reflects the influence of the French culture. Many of the Armenian public, political and cultural figures received education in France. Upon return they spread the new flows of culture, the ideas of freedom and humanism throughout Armenia and the whole region. Our friendship became stronger in the times of ordeals. Having condemned the crime committed against Armenians the outstanding representatives of the French society rendered humanitarian assistance to those who survived the Genocide. The French ships reached the coasts of Cilician Armenia and rescued thousands of Armenians who escaped the carnage. The migrants found shelter and human warmth in France.



These Armenians strained every effort to inculcate devotion to France in their children. We are proud that during the World War II Armenians took part in the French Resistance and the liberation of France. Some of them glorified their names symbolizing the fraternity of our peoples. Dear Mr President, you have many times spoken of the contribution the Armenians of France made in the French economy, education, culture and sports. Being French citizens, the children of the migrants remain true to the Armenian consciousness. The name of Charles Aznavour is a bright proof of this dual affiliation. The fate of Charles Aznavour, the son of those who survived the Genocide, is the answer of the Armenian people to genocides. We attach great importance to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by France. This is a big contribution to the just cause of protection of the oppressed rights of the Armenian people and prevention of such threat to the whole humanity."