Armenians always played big role in the life of EgyptDecember 25, 2009 - 15:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The first groups of Armenians left Egypt in the 1950s when the country came to be governed by Gamal Abdel Nasser. Afraid of the new leader's nationalization policy, most Armenians had to cross the ocean and settle in other countries. Till 1952, there was an estimated 60 thousand Armenian population living in the towns of Cairo and Alexandria, representatives of Egyptian-Armenian community told a PanARMENIAN.Net correspondent. As noted by Armenian Ambassador to Egypt Armen Melkonyan, Armenians always played a big role in the country's social-political and cultural life. "Outstanding personalities such as painter Hakob Hakobyan and actress Siranush were from Cairo. Besides, the country's first Prime Minister - Nubar Nubaryan Pasha - was also Armenian," he said. According to Bishop Ashot Mnatsakanyan, the leader of Egyptian prelacy, Armenians have always played crucial role in Islamic states (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iran and even Turkey. "Unfortunately, the community has now grown smaller. The total number of Armenians is 2000, but we lead quite an active life. We are now planning to restore the ancient Armenian church on the outskirts of the Old Town," Bishop said. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |