Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy have unveiled a sculpture by Auguste Rodin in the center of Yerevan.

“This generous gift will symbolize the eternal and inviolable friendship between Armenia and France,” RA President said, thanking the French people for giving shelter to hundreds of thousands of Armenians, who escaped the 1915 Genocide in the Ottoman Empire. “France recognized and condemned this crime against humanity, openly calling it Genocide.”

“Armenians here and abroad love France, its culture and values. Armenian-French ties go centuries back. France supports Armenia’s efforts for resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and rendered invaluable assistance after the 1988 earthquake. God bless France and Armenian-French friendship,” President Sargsyan said.

Mr. Sarkozy, in turn, thanked the Armenian community for its important role in his country’s life. “Long live Armenia, long live France, long live brotherhood!” he said.