YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–"The British Week festivities are designed to strengthen and develop Armenia-Britain ties," said British Ambassador to Armenia John Mitchiner in a solemn inauguration of the British Week in Armenia Festival Jan. 19. Mitchiner expressed his gratitude to the people and organizations which sponsored the arrangement–namely–Vache Manoukian–one of the shareholders of the Midland Armenia Bank–British Airways and British Mediterranean Airways companies–Armenian Airlines company and KPMG Co.–a British-Armenian joint venture.
In his opening speech Armenia’s Minister for Culture–Sports and Youth’s Affairs–Armen Smbatian–said after gaining independence Armenia has more opportunities to establish ties with the United Kingdom.
Those present attended various exhibitions among which were "Cities of the Future,"Britain as Seen by the Armenian Children" and "The British Royal Legacy." Among the exhibits presented were documen’s–photos of representatives of the royal family as well as royal jewels–including the State Imperial Crown–scepter and orb.
The opening ceremony was attended by Ambassadors of the United States–Russia–Iran–Germany–Ukraine and China–as well as by Armenian Parliament members and representatives of various public organizations and the mass media.