Σάββατο 11 Ιουνίου 2011

Events dedicated to William Saroyan organized in Greece

Events dedicated to William Saroyan organized in Greece

 Greek-American Union and Armenian Embassy to Athens by the cooperation of Greek-Armenian studies center continue to organize events dedicated to the 30th jubilee of renowned writer William Saroyan’s death, “Hayastan” (Armenia) news service informs.
On June 6, William Saroyan and his little famous paintings have been presented in Greek-American Union hall

Armenian-Greek friendship grew into true brotherhood, Serzh Sargsyan says


January 19, 2011 | 12:04
A state dinner in honor of the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and First Lady Rita Sargsyan was given in Athens on Tuesday by Greek President Karolos Papoulias.
In his speech Serzh Sargsyan said: “The history of the Armenian community of Greece dates back to the fifth century. In the Byzantine era, Armenians played an important role in the political, military, economic, and cultural life of the Empire.

Our mutual fondness and friendship emerged, withstood the challenges of centuries, and grew into true brotherhood, as best illustrated in the beginning of the last century, when Greece generously provided shelter to the dozens of thousands of the Armenians who had survived the 1909 massacres of Adana, the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and the Smyrna atrocities in 1922. Many of their descendants still live in safety here, on the hospitable Greek land, and contribute with their work to the prosperity of your country, serving at the same time as a unique bridge between Armenia and Greece.

Since Armenia’s independence, the relationship between our countries transcended to a new level. We are cooperating closely in all - political, economic, military, cultural, and decentralization areas.

Our peoples have over history withstood daunting challenges and suffered under foreign yoke, but have never surrendered. Our peoples have maintained their national identity, cherished their culture and language, and struggled to achieve the right to live in freedom.

We share the same universal values and aspire for international security and peace, and trust the power of tolerance.

Contemplations about these European values cannot but bring to mind Ancient Greece, where democracy - the very cornerstone of these values - emerged as both as a word and a phenomenon.

In face of the economic crisis, Armenia and Greece have undertaken the reformation and development of their economic systems, working together for enhanced security and establishment of the area of peace and prosperity on the European Continent.

As a member of the European Union, Greece actively participates in the development and implementation of the Eastern Partnership initiatives. We anticipate the support of friendly Greece in furthering the cooperation between Armenia and the European Union.

Mr. President;

Greece has always been is Armenia’s friend. Lasting and strong relations cannot be built on short-lived interests. A credible partnership is inconceivable without shared values and commitment to the same ideas.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Allow me to raise my glass

In honor of His Excellency Karolos Papoulias, the President of the Republic of Greece,

For the prosperity of the Republic of Greece and the Greek people, and

To the glory of the everlasting Armenian-Greek friendship.”