MUNICH–Germany–The opening ceremony of "Armenia’s Cultural Days" took place in Bonn–Germany last Thursday. The ceremony was led by Armenian minister of Culture–Youth Affairs and Sports–Roland Sharoyan. Present at the event was also the Armenian Ambassador to Germany Ashod Vosganian.
"Armenian Cultural Days" were organized in the cities of Bonn–Billefeld–Halle–Magdeburg–Luthershdadt–and Vittenburg and will last from September 3 until October 16 under the patronage of Sharoyan–and German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel.
The opening ceremonies took place in the "Beethoven" hall in Bonn. Speaking at the event were Roland Sharoyan–Bonn’s mayor–Dorothy Vas-Vaingartz–and Secretary to the German Foreign Minister–Hans-Fredrich Von Blotts who stressed the importance of Armenian-German relations and future cooperation.
After the opening speeches–an Armenian cultural concert was held.
The Armenian Diocese in Kohl organized the Armenian representatives’ meeting with the attendance of many Armenian organizations. Among the invitees was Munich’s Institute for Armenian Research. Many issues surrounding the Armenian language–education and cultural events were discussed along with the latest events taking place in Armenia. Sharoyan stated that lately there has been an increase in interest surrounding cultural and patriotic issues among Armenia’s youth. This has given spurt to feelings of pride and respect for cultural events such as the one being held.
On the behalf of the Institute for Armenian Research–Alice Maroukhian spoke and addressed the question of whether or not the Diaspora is considered in Armenian Cultural policy. Maroukhian stated that until today–the government has not issued a clear "cultural" policy–however–she is completely in agreement with the idea of "one people–one culture," thus involving the diaspora in all cultural activities pertaining to Armenia.
In September–the Council for Armenian Organizations organized a banquet–in honor of the Armenian Minister of Cultural Affairs and the German Ambassador during which several issues relating to Armenian life in general were addressed.
The Armenian delegation was also present at the opening of the "Mesrob" Armenian Educational Center.
"Armenian Cultural Days" was founded in 1995 after a agreement between the two nations. During this festival of Armenian events–Armenian dance–theater–music–and photography will be on display. Ancient–hand written works–cultural and religious art–cultural dress–and arts and crafts will also remain on display. Educationals and cultural information sessions will also accompany the festival.