President attended the official gift presentation ceremony conducted in the framework of Armenia’s Chairmanship in CE

President Serzh Sargsyan, who is Strasbourg on a working visit, today attended the official gift presentation ceremony conducted in the framework of Armenia’s Chairmanship in CE. Armenia’s gift to the Council of Europe is a tinted glass picture named the Power of Unity which will be put on display at the Assembly Hall.

On this occasion, the President of Armenia in his remarks expressed thanks to the beloved and talented artist Arev Petrossian for her artistic idea and impressive work as well as to all structures and individuals of the Council of Europe who made possible the installation of the glass picture. “Almost 13 years ago, on January 25, 2001 Armenia became a full member of the Council of Europe and an integral part of the large European family. Just as for 800 million Europeans, this stronghold of democracy has become also ours, Armenians’ home.

In 2001, Armenia was ten years old, now – we are twenty-two. “Growing” in this family for almost a decade, Armenia has created a strong basis and structures for democracy, protection of human rights and the rule of law.

Dear Friends,

Please accept this glass picture, Armenia’s gift as a modest contribution to the construction of our common home. Nations assembled in the Council of Europe have different histories and different past, however they are united around common all-human values. They created these values one by one, paving the way towards the vision of our common future. This work of authorship symbolizes our collective power in its unity and harmonious diversity,” President Serzh Sargsyan said at the official gift presentation ceremony at the Council of Europe.

Later, President Sargsyan together with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Jean-Claude Mignon, CE Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland and CE Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks viewed at the hall of the Ministerial Committee Arev Petrossian’s triptych – Love, Freedom, and Conscience which also signify the power of unity. The triptych was presented by Serzh Sargsyan to Messrs. Jean-Claude Mignon, Thorbjørn Jagland, and Nils Muižnieks.

At the conclusion of the visit to the Council of Europe, President Sargsyan attended the ceremony of signing the 16th Protocol of the European Human Rights Convention. On behalf of Armenia it was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian.