Updates
Press releases
19
06, 2010
In Saint Petersburg President Serzh Sargsyan spoke about the latest provocation staged by the Azeri armed forces
In the framework of the events dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg, today at the Saltykov-Shchedrin National Library President Serzh Sargsyan attended the opening ceremony for the exhibition of the Armenian manuscripts and ancient printed books and made an inscription in the book of Honorary Guests. Then President Sargsyan was escorted to the Voltaire Room where he observed the writer’s private library and artifacts relating him to Armenia and Armenians.
Later, President Sargsyan together with President Medvedev visited the Saint Petersburg University. Rector Kropachev told Presidents Sargsyan and Medvedev about the momentous contribution of the Armenian scientists to the development of the University.
Afterwards, Presidents Sargsyan and Medvedev attended the ceremony of signing a cooperation program between the Universities of Yerevan and Saint Petersburg. At the University Hall of Fame they observed the ceremony of unveiling the portraits of Victor Hambartsumian and Armen Takhtajian. The Presidents of Armenia and Russia visited also the site of the future Hovsep Orbeli memorial.
At the University, Presidents Sargsyan and Medvedev held a brief tête-à-tête meeting. After the meeting, at the request of the journalists the President of Armenia spoke about the latest provocation staged by the Azeri armed forces at the NK-Azerbaijan contact line.
Serzh Sargsyan said in particular, “Late at night, I was informed that the Azeri armed forces took action and made an attempt to penetrate the positions of the Defense Army of Nagorno Karabakh.
The NK Defense Army retaliated properly and the attempts of the Azeri side were, naturally, aborted and terminated. They were forced to retreat, leaving one dead at the crime scene and suffering losses. Unfortunately, there were losses on our side too, and I express my heart-felt condolences to the friends and families of four fallen soldiers. Realizing that nothing can relieve their grief, we at the same time believe that our considerate attitude, Karabakh’s reinforced statehood and fortified security of our people will soothe their pain.
Provocations are unacceptable in any circumstance; however these appalling actions are particularly inexcusable because they took place hours after the trilateral meeting initiated by the President of the Russian Federation. This incident proves that the Co-Chairs and the involved countries have some things to ponder about. Belligerent statements and unpunished, though not unrequited, provocations always may have similar or much more sinister consequences. I consider this to be also a demonstration of disrespect for the Co-Chairs.
We approach the negotiations in full awareness, and our goal is unambiguous. We never deviated from our goal and didn’t try to revise something reasoning it with Azerbaijan’s actions such as this one. We are resolute and I am confident that we will achieve the recognition of Nagorno Karabakh’s independence. It is our goal, and I don’t believe there is any reason to revise it,” said the President of Armenia.
In the afternoon, the President of Armenia visited Saint Katarina Church, attended the concert at the Concert Hall of Mariinski Theatre dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg and later participated at the reception in the Tavricheski Palace also dedicated to this event. President Sargsyan delivered a speech and handed awards to the representatives of the Armenian community for their significant contribution to the strengthening of the Armenia-Diaspora relations.
***
President Serzh Sargsyan delivers a speech at the reception in the Tavricheski Palace dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg
Dear Friends:
We have gathered here today to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the inception of the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg. First of all, I would like to congratulate you on this momentous occasion.
Saint Petersburg is a unique city which embodies the grandeur of the Russian culture and history. It is no accident that Peter the Great founded the new capital here, at the shores of the Baltic Sea. He opened a window to Europe and the new capital became the assertion and confirmation of the civilization choice. This city, which rests on the banks of Neva, is a pearl of European architecture. It became yet another proof that the Russian component is an important part of European culture, while Russia cannot be taken out of European context.
I have also came here to participate at the International Economic Forum which is conducted under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation. I think, it is no coincidence that Saint Petersburg has become the venue of this annual Forum. The Russian leadership carries on with the traditions established by Peter the Great. Representatives of political, business circles, public and media, leading scientists from around the world gather here to discuss urgent issues of our times. This is not only a window to Europe but also a world-open platform for a sincere dialogue.
From its initiation, the new capital of the Russian Empire was attracting energetic and entrepreneurial individuals from all over Europe. New opportunities were not lost on our people as well. In this very city, Armenian brothers-entrepreneurs Isakhanians in 1758 established one of the first Russian stock companies, which was, just imagine that, establishing trade relations with Iran.
Wherever even the smallest Armenian community sets in, it begins to create cultural and educational centers. Already in 1770, on the great Nevski prospect of Saint Petersburg the Armenian Saint Katarina Church was built. At the end of the 18th century, two Armenian churches and one printing house were already functioning in Saint Petersburg. It comes as no surprise that the first book published by the printing house was the Armenian ABC book – a symbol of enlightenment and literacy. I was thinking about that when I was handing Armenian books and teaching materials, including the first electronic Armenian ABC book, to the Armenian School of Saint Petersburg.
In 19th century, along with the growth of the Armenian population, Petersburg became a center of the Armenian culture. An Armenian periodical was published here and theater troupes were formed. The University of S. Petersburg established the Chair of Armenian Language, which had become one of the most prominent centers of the Armenian studies. Luminaries of science and arts such as Nicholas Marr and Hovsep Orbeli were teaching there. The latter soon after headed one of the most celebrated museums of the world – the Ermitage. Today, another compatriot of ours born in Yerevan, Mikhail Piatrovski, carries on with Orbeli’s work.
Thousands of Armenian students have been educated at the educational establishments of Saint Petersburg, including renowned scientists such as astrophysicist Victor Hambartsumian and biologist Armen Takhtajian.
Recently, we celebrated the 65th anniversary of our common victory over fascism. Horrors that Leningrad went through in 1941-44 are shocking. Thousands of Armenian fighters took part in the battle for Leningrad and gave their lives for a better future. Our compatriot Admiral Ivan Isakov was the Commander of the Baltic fleet.
The city had underwent unimaginable sufferings and displayed incredible courage in the uneven struggle with fascism. The inhumane blockade resulted in massive losses among the civilian population, but Leningrad didn’t surrender and bore those sufferings with resilience. Moreover, in all that agony the city took care of its spiritual heritage, preserved the priceless architectural monuments and works of arts. Most amazingly, however, Petersburg preserved its unparalleled culture of interpersonal communication.
For us blockade is not hearsay. Even with the ceasefire established as a result of the heroic struggle of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia continues to live in blockade illegally imposed on us by Turkey and Azerbaijan. Despite the blockade, thanks to the diligence of our people and invaluable support of our friends and allies, we were able to stabilize Armenia’s economy and achieve economic growth. However the blockade is still going on and in the 21st century our children live and grow up surrounded by the dividing lines and mine fields.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Armenian people know their history and take pride in it. The formation of the Armenian Spyurk, Armenian communities spread all over the world was not our deliberate choice – it was a result of our tragic history.
We are grateful to Russia and, particularly, to this great city on the banks of Neva for offering local Armenians the opportunity to fully participate in the life of their second motherland. And I am confident that today the Armenians of Saint Petersburg continue to bring their valuable contribution to the development of the best traditions of the city. Today, we can state that we are proud with the friendship of our two nations, and we are dedicated to the precepts of our forefathers.
Today, we should conceive together the meaning of these words which are attested to by the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg.
Later, President Sargsyan together with President Medvedev visited the Saint Petersburg University. Rector Kropachev told Presidents Sargsyan and Medvedev about the momentous contribution of the Armenian scientists to the development of the University.
Afterwards, Presidents Sargsyan and Medvedev attended the ceremony of signing a cooperation program between the Universities of Yerevan and Saint Petersburg. At the University Hall of Fame they observed the ceremony of unveiling the portraits of Victor Hambartsumian and Armen Takhtajian. The Presidents of Armenia and Russia visited also the site of the future Hovsep Orbeli memorial.
At the University, Presidents Sargsyan and Medvedev held a brief tête-à-tête meeting. After the meeting, at the request of the journalists the President of Armenia spoke about the latest provocation staged by the Azeri armed forces at the NK-Azerbaijan contact line.
Serzh Sargsyan said in particular, “Late at night, I was informed that the Azeri armed forces took action and made an attempt to penetrate the positions of the Defense Army of Nagorno Karabakh.
The NK Defense Army retaliated properly and the attempts of the Azeri side were, naturally, aborted and terminated. They were forced to retreat, leaving one dead at the crime scene and suffering losses. Unfortunately, there were losses on our side too, and I express my heart-felt condolences to the friends and families of four fallen soldiers. Realizing that nothing can relieve their grief, we at the same time believe that our considerate attitude, Karabakh’s reinforced statehood and fortified security of our people will soothe their pain.
Provocations are unacceptable in any circumstance; however these appalling actions are particularly inexcusable because they took place hours after the trilateral meeting initiated by the President of the Russian Federation. This incident proves that the Co-Chairs and the involved countries have some things to ponder about. Belligerent statements and unpunished, though not unrequited, provocations always may have similar or much more sinister consequences. I consider this to be also a demonstration of disrespect for the Co-Chairs.
We approach the negotiations in full awareness, and our goal is unambiguous. We never deviated from our goal and didn’t try to revise something reasoning it with Azerbaijan’s actions such as this one. We are resolute and I am confident that we will achieve the recognition of Nagorno Karabakh’s independence. It is our goal, and I don’t believe there is any reason to revise it,” said the President of Armenia.
In the afternoon, the President of Armenia visited Saint Katarina Church, attended the concert at the Concert Hall of Mariinski Theatre dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg and later participated at the reception in the Tavricheski Palace also dedicated to this event. President Sargsyan delivered a speech and handed awards to the representatives of the Armenian community for their significant contribution to the strengthening of the Armenia-Diaspora relations.
***
President Serzh Sargsyan delivers a speech at the reception in the Tavricheski Palace dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg
Dear Friends:
We have gathered here today to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the inception of the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg. First of all, I would like to congratulate you on this momentous occasion.
Saint Petersburg is a unique city which embodies the grandeur of the Russian culture and history. It is no accident that Peter the Great founded the new capital here, at the shores of the Baltic Sea. He opened a window to Europe and the new capital became the assertion and confirmation of the civilization choice. This city, which rests on the banks of Neva, is a pearl of European architecture. It became yet another proof that the Russian component is an important part of European culture, while Russia cannot be taken out of European context.
I have also came here to participate at the International Economic Forum which is conducted under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation. I think, it is no coincidence that Saint Petersburg has become the venue of this annual Forum. The Russian leadership carries on with the traditions established by Peter the Great. Representatives of political, business circles, public and media, leading scientists from around the world gather here to discuss urgent issues of our times. This is not only a window to Europe but also a world-open platform for a sincere dialogue.
From its initiation, the new capital of the Russian Empire was attracting energetic and entrepreneurial individuals from all over Europe. New opportunities were not lost on our people as well. In this very city, Armenian brothers-entrepreneurs Isakhanians in 1758 established one of the first Russian stock companies, which was, just imagine that, establishing trade relations with Iran.
Wherever even the smallest Armenian community sets in, it begins to create cultural and educational centers. Already in 1770, on the great Nevski prospect of Saint Petersburg the Armenian Saint Katarina Church was built. At the end of the 18th century, two Armenian churches and one printing house were already functioning in Saint Petersburg. It comes as no surprise that the first book published by the printing house was the Armenian ABC book – a symbol of enlightenment and literacy. I was thinking about that when I was handing Armenian books and teaching materials, including the first electronic Armenian ABC book, to the Armenian School of Saint Petersburg.
In 19th century, along with the growth of the Armenian population, Petersburg became a center of the Armenian culture. An Armenian periodical was published here and theater troupes were formed. The University of S. Petersburg established the Chair of Armenian Language, which had become one of the most prominent centers of the Armenian studies. Luminaries of science and arts such as Nicholas Marr and Hovsep Orbeli were teaching there. The latter soon after headed one of the most celebrated museums of the world – the Ermitage. Today, another compatriot of ours born in Yerevan, Mikhail Piatrovski, carries on with Orbeli’s work.
Thousands of Armenian students have been educated at the educational establishments of Saint Petersburg, including renowned scientists such as astrophysicist Victor Hambartsumian and biologist Armen Takhtajian.
Recently, we celebrated the 65th anniversary of our common victory over fascism. Horrors that Leningrad went through in 1941-44 are shocking. Thousands of Armenian fighters took part in the battle for Leningrad and gave their lives for a better future. Our compatriot Admiral Ivan Isakov was the Commander of the Baltic fleet.
The city had underwent unimaginable sufferings and displayed incredible courage in the uneven struggle with fascism. The inhumane blockade resulted in massive losses among the civilian population, but Leningrad didn’t surrender and bore those sufferings with resilience. Moreover, in all that agony the city took care of its spiritual heritage, preserved the priceless architectural monuments and works of arts. Most amazingly, however, Petersburg preserved its unparalleled culture of interpersonal communication.
For us blockade is not hearsay. Even with the ceasefire established as a result of the heroic struggle of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia continues to live in blockade illegally imposed on us by Turkey and Azerbaijan. Despite the blockade, thanks to the diligence of our people and invaluable support of our friends and allies, we were able to stabilize Armenia’s economy and achieve economic growth. However the blockade is still going on and in the 21st century our children live and grow up surrounded by the dividing lines and mine fields.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Armenian people know their history and take pride in it. The formation of the Armenian Spyurk, Armenian communities spread all over the world was not our deliberate choice – it was a result of our tragic history.
We are grateful to Russia and, particularly, to this great city on the banks of Neva for offering local Armenians the opportunity to fully participate in the life of their second motherland. And I am confident that today the Armenians of Saint Petersburg continue to bring their valuable contribution to the development of the best traditions of the city. Today, we can state that we are proud with the friendship of our two nations, and we are dedicated to the precepts of our forefathers.
Today, we should conceive together the meaning of these words which are attested to by the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg.