PAP PRESIDENT INVITED THE METROPOLITAN VOLODYMYR TO ARMENIA

Upon the invitation of PAP president Gagik Tsarukyan spiritual leader of Ukraine, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine Volodymyr arrived in Armenia. On 30th of October Gagik Tsarukyan and Metropolitan Volodymyr laid wreaths on the memorial to victims of the earthquake of 1988.                                                                          

VICTOR YANUKOVICH’S VISIT TO SPITAK

In order to abolish the 1988 destroying earthquake’s consequences and in order to help all the suffered people, Ukrainians were among the majority of rescuers, constructors, and specialists. By the invitation of RA Government Head Tigran Sargsyan and “Prosperous Armenia” Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan delegation headed by “Regions” Party leader, political figure who is forming plurality of The Supreme Rada of Ukraine, ex-prime minister Viktor Yanukovich arrived yesterday in Armenia for the 20th anniversary of earthquake. This person who is a very highly respected figure in Ukraine, in 1988 was present at the calamity zone and headed all the work of transportation knot in Spitak and Vanadzor.

Viktor Yanukovich was met at the airport by “Prosperous Armenia” Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan, deputies of National Assembly, “Prosperous Armenia” political council members, regional governor of Shirak Lida Nanyan and mayor of Gyumri Vardan Ghukasyan.

The Ukrainian delegation first of all visited Gyumri. They put flowers and wreath to the monument which perpetuate the memory of innocent victims, and which stands in the yard of St. Hakob apostolic church, built after earthquake.

The next and basic stop was in Spitak, where crowds of people with posters and greetings were waiting for Mr. Yanukovich and the guests. People came outside to give their gratitude on behalf of Viktor Yanukovich to all those who helped them during that hard time. Under the decision of Spitak community councilor, since 2004 one of the big streets of Spitak and the affiliated square of the street is named after Viktor Yanukovich.

On the square which carries his name the guest frankly said, that even after 20 years break, entering Spitak his heart was beating very fast. “I remembered the scene which was in front of our eyes, coming to Spitak for the first time and we just couldn’t avoid the feeling of horror, seeing that scene. We were expecting that we would see tragedy but we didn’t expect a tragedy of such scale. We didn’t see even a single steadfast house, where it was possible to live, everything was ruined”-, he said, remembering that they were working without having a rest during initial stage. As Yanukovich said, he had seen many human disasters but what he had seen after the earthquake would not be comparable with anything.

“A new generation was born and grew up after the earthquake, and today I see totally another faces, but still there is that impress of misfortune in this city air”,- concluded Ukrainian political figure, mentioning that our misfortune unites nations of different countries.

In his interview to journalists “Prosperous Armenia” Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan mentioned that, although 20 years have passed since the calamity, but still there is sorrow in people’s souls, and many of them till now do not have a place to live. As he is informed, under the decision of RA government till 2013 all 375 Spitak city families who are still homeless will have apartments. “We must look after all that work in order to carry out that program”,-concluded Mr. Tsarukyan, mentioning that this way people at least feel themselves mentally and morally better.

We must also remind that during RA Government June 12th Gyumri assizes the conception of inclining all the calamity zone 6985 homeless families with apartments.

And meanwhile Spitak citizens surrounded the businessman, and each one of them tried to present their problem, waiting for any kind of assistance. Gagik Tsarukyan was kindly listening to everybody, and promised assistance to many of them.

As Lori regional governor Aram Qocharyan stated, although 20 years have passed since the earthquake but the wounds aren’t cicatrized yet and sorrows haven’t passed yet. “It is very difficult to say how long will that sorrow remain in our hearts, but today we must remember all the innocent victims, and bend our heads to them”,-he said appealing to everybody for respecting all the innocent victims by one minute silence. He remembered with gratitude all those 8000 Ukrainian constructors, helping Spitak and Vanadzor people, working without rest, day and night. “The square which is named after You must become a symbol of friendship between Armenians and Ukrainians”-he said. On behalf of Mr.Yanukovich he thanked all the Ukrainian constructors and rescuers for handling that kind of work in Spitak and Vanadzor.

Spitak mayor Gagik Sahakyan first of all thanked for the help after destructive earthquake, which really helped Armenians to find strength in them to reconstruct their city. “Much has been done after 20 years but still there is much that must be done with the assistance of really good people” ,-mentioned the mayor.

He passed the councilor’s decision- to give Yanukovich honorary Spitak citizen rank.

Viktor Yanukovich left Spitak with a picture of Ararat Mountain, which was painted by earthquake invalid painter Arsen Asatryan.

The political figure of Ukraine also visited Yerevan, had several bilateral meetings and returned to Ukraine late in the evening.