A new stage in Armenian-Italian relations

24.05.2010 12:11- Gita Elibekyan
“Radiolur” Rome
A delegation from the Italian city of Milan will visit Armenia in the near future to sign a cooperation agreement with Armenia’s Kotayk marz. Milan, which is said to be the economic heart of Italy, will be trying to expand its investment programs in Armenia. A Day of Armenia will be later announced in Milan, and a business forum will be convened. This is a new stage in the Armenian-Italian relations. Armenian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Italy Ruben Karapetyan says henceforth great attention will be paid to bilateral economic and political relations.

The Armenian-Italian relations date back to ancient times, but our country became more attractive to Italy after gaining independence. The opening of the Armenian Embassy in Rome in 1994 marked the start of a new stage in the Armenian-Italian relations.

According to Ambassador Karapetyan, Armenians and Italians have much in common. “For example, the family, the ties with parents, the respect for the elders are important to both peoples,” he said.

2012 will be declared an Armenian Book Year in Italy. The first Armenian printed book – Urbatagirk – issued in Venice in 1512 will be celebrating the 500th anniversary.

Although the Armenian community of Italy is not that large (2 500), it is very active and well-organized. The problem of preservation of the Armenian national identity persists here like in most Armenian communities. Most Armenians speak Italian, the Ambassador says.

“We have to understand one thing. The President has also declared on one occasion that it’s not important whether you speak Armenian or not, whether you are an Orthodox or a Catholic. What’s important is that you are an Armenians,” the Ambassador said.

As for the Armenian Genocide issue, a huge work has been done in Italy in that direction. “The Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament recognized the Genocide in 2000. This year the Armenian-Italian Friendship Group has started working to have the Senate recognize the Armenian Genocide, as well."
http://www.armradio.am/news/?part=pol&id=17571

Vahè Vartanian