Belarus
CEREMONY TO MARK 91st ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE HELD IN MINSK
Noyan Tapan Armenians Today Apr 26 2006
MINSK, APRIL 26, NOYAN TAPAN - ARMENIANS TODAY. A mourning ceremony to mark the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide took place at the Khachkar outside St Alexnader Nevsky Church in Minsk on April 24. According to the RA MFA Press and Information Department, the Armenian Ambassador to Belarus Suren Harutyunian, members of the Armenian community and youth organizations, as well as representatives of other ethnic communities and the public of Belarus attended the ceremony. A mouring church service was held with the participation of Mitropolit of Minsk and Sluts, Patriarch of All Belarus Filaret. Those present observed one-minute silence in respect of memory of the Armenian Genocide victims, then there were speeches on the Armenian Genocide and its recognition by the international community.
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Armenian ambassador upbeat about relations with Belarus
Relations between Belarus and Armenia are “developing in all areas on the basis of mutual understanding and trust, above all, thanks to the policies of the heads of both states,” Oleg Yesayan, the Armenian ambassador to Belarus, said at a news conference held in Minsk on September 19, two days before Armenia’s Independence Day.
Armenia declared its sovereignty on August 23, 1990. In the wake of the August Coup in the USSR, a referendum was held on the question of secession. Following an overwhelming vote in favor, full independence was declared on September 21, 1991.
Mr. Yesayan said that relations with Belarus “are an important direction for Armenia.” He pointed out that political ties between the two countries are generally successful both at the regional level and within international organizations. “The stances of our countries on all major political issues coincide or are very close,” the ambassador said, noting a “high level of mutual understanding” between Armenia and Belarus.
He said that cooperation between the two countries in tourism is sporadic because of the high cost of transportation. Mr. Yesayan suggested that the two countries should engage in activities that would raise people’s awareness about the other country. Armenian tour operators are expected to attend the next tourist exhibition in Minsk, according to him.
The ambassador also noted a steadily high demand in Belarus for Armenian brandies, which he said have improved in quality following the privatization of the industry.
Mr. Yesayan said that all issues concerning the construction of a building for the Armenian embassy in Minsk would be settled before the end of 2007. According to him, the governments are also in talks over Belarus’ intention to buy a land plot for the construction of an embassy in Yerevan.
Points of interest
- The city of Mogilev has an Ararat Cafe.
- Minsk has an Ararat Boutique (Armenian Brandy/Cognac)
- Brest has an Ararat Casino.