16
10, 2010

President Serzh Sargsyan participated at the inaugural ceremony of Tatev airtram

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On October 16, the second day of his working visit to Syunik marz, President Serzh Sargsyan visited the newly constructed cardiology center in Goris. This medical facility will be providing immediate medical care to the patients from the southern regions of Armenia and the population of Nagorno Karabakh.

In Goris, the President of Armenia attended also festivities dedicated to the Town’s Day. The statue of Grigor of Tatev was unveiled in the framework of celebrations.

Today, President Sargsyan met also with over a hundred journalists and editors from Spyurk, who have arrived to Goris to meet with the President of Armenia. They came from the capital of the NKR Stepanavan, where they participated in the works of the 5th All-Armenian Journalists Conference.

From Goris, President of Armenia arrived to Halidzor where the “Tatev Renaissance” program was initiated. Here, the ceremony of inaugurating technical operations of the longest in the world airtram, which connects Halidzor and Tatev villages, took place. The airtram, which is stretching for 5.7km over the picturesque Vorotan gorge, opens new opportunities for the visitors of the monastery compound, making it more accessible. The program is aimed at the development of the areas neighboring Tatev, reestablishment of the celebrated and glorious spiritual, scientific and cultural traditions of this terrific ancient monastery compound. At the ceremony of inauguration of the airtram, the President of Armenia was accompanied by His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, the President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, representatives of social, political and cultural circles, officials, hundreds of guests from all over the world, many of whom are sponsors of the program. On the occasion of the inauguration of the airtram in Tatev, President Sargsyan made a statement, in which he particularly said,
“Your Holiness,
Esteemed Guests,
Fellow Citizens,
I welcome you all to one of the most picturesque places in Armenia. The inauguration of the “Tatev Renaissance” program is a nice opportunity to visit once again and take pleasure in the incomparable views of Syunik and masterpieces of the Medieval Armenian architecture. Today, those views will be augmented by a modern airtram, which is called upon to add new charm to the Vorotan Gorge and present the visitor with unforgettable impressions.

By building the longest airtram in the world we didn’t aspire to surprise anyone. The objectives we were following are modest by world standards; however they have crucial importance for Tatev and adjacent areas. The “Tatev Renaissance” program is a strategic component of the comprehensive development program of the Southern regions of Armenia and constitutes a serious impetus for the economic, scientific, and cultural development of the region.

This is one of major initiatives going on in Armenia today, in which state and private sectors joined hands in one project. First, the unrivaled nature of this stunning gorge was crisscrossed by human thinking. Later, that soaring thinking inspired many individuals. Today, that soaring thinking is embodied in the airtram, which bridges the past and the future, the traditional and the modern, culture and business. The airtram is vivid evidence of the fact that even the most improbable dreams become reality when there is a clear purpose and faith and also when the right and important thing is being done obstacles sooner of later give in.

Ladies and Gentlemen:
Today, a momentous and festive occasion has brought us to Syunik - one of cradles, one of the oldest centers of the Armenian science and culture. Here, in Syunik the past is hemmed by the light of future. Here, wounds are silent, and stones are articulate. Many have dreamed of leaving their vicious footprints here, the footprints of destruction. But Armenian monuments have reigned and will reign here; stones here have been speaking and will continue to speak Armenian.

The Monastery of Tatev and Tatev University are among the most celebrated centers of our science and culture. Tatev has been deservedly enjoying high repute thanks to the prolific activities of Grigor Vardapet of Tatev, who was a disciple of Hovnan Vorotnetsi. It is emblematic that the 600th anniversary of the canonization of the luminary of the Armenian and world theology Grigor of Tatev and the “Tatev Renaissance” program coincide in time. Giving new life to this ancient cradle of the Armenian letters and nearby areas is also an excellent gift for the 500th anniversary of the Armenian book-printing, which we will be celebrating soon.

Dear Friends,
I congratulate us all. As the saying goes “A good start half the job done”. The
”Tatev Renaissence” Program was initiated by the Competitive Armenia Fund, and was enthusiastically supported by our Government, Armenian Apostolic Church, and benefactors. I thank Mr. Rouben Vardanian who has become a true leader of the project and its driving force. I also thank all individuals and organizations that have been involved in this enterprise – an enterprise that seemed impossible – for their faith, disregard for difficulties, ability to work shoulder to shoulder and for the present result. I believe that every visitor will also think with gratitude of the construction workers, who have done a marvelous job.

To become competitive on the international arena, we sometimes have to travel abroad and learn there, and it is quite natural. However, there are some lessons that are to be learned here. Those who built Tatev were the most spirited architects of their times. The University of Tatev was one of the most competitive educational centers of its times, and Saint Grigor of Tatev still remains one of the most brilliant thinkers of the world. Rebirth of Tatev means the rebirth of Syunik, hence - competitive Armenia.

Congratulations to us all and thank you.”

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