Updates
Statements and messages of the President of RA
16
10, 2010
Welcoming remarks of President Serzh Sargsyan at the ceremony of inauguration of the Tatev Airtram
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.
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.