PRESS RELEASE
Hamazkayin London, GB
20 Cawdor Crescent
London W7 2DD
Tel: 020 8840 6896
Fax: 020 8840 5196
E-Mail: [email protected]
Peter Balakian in London
”The Burning Tigris” is launched in UK after its major success in
USA
At the invitation of William Heinemann, a leading Publishing House in
UK, Peter Balakian, The Armenian American author, visited London,
accompanied by his wife, for the launch of his latest book ”The
Burning Tigris” on 31st March. The book launch took place at Random
House in the presence of both Armenian and non-armenian audience.
”We have not seen such an impressive audience for a book launch at
this House for a long time said the Marketing Director of Heinemann at
his opening speech. The book launch was a joint effort of both the
Publishers and C.R.A.G. – Campaign for the Recognition of the Armenian
Genocide.
To take advantage of Mr Balakian’s visit, the London Branch of
HAMAZKAYIN Cultural Society organised a cocktail reception at the
Armenian House in honour of the author to which representatives of the
London Armenian organisations were invited and present. Present also
at the reception were the Primateof the Armenian Church of G.B. His
Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Armenia’s Ambassador in UK Dr. Vahe
Gabrielian and Hamazkayin Central Committee Board member Mrs Sella
Tenjoukian.
Mr Haig Vartanian, on behalf of Hamazkayin, welcomed the author and
the guests and urged the attendees and their organisations to
encourage the sale of the book in UK emphasising that ”books of this
nature and caliber are weapons with which we can fight the deniers of
the Armenian Genocide.”
Mr Balakian thanked Hamazkayin for its initiative and expressed his
delight for meeting representatives of various London Armenian
organisations under one roof. During a session of questions and
answers, the author stressed that the Armenian Genocide is essentially
a human rights issue and as such it shouldfind its rightful place in
school textbooks everywhere. He added that in parallel with our
efforts for recognition at governmental levels, we should also
concentrate in educating the people at grassroot level and gradually
move upwards.
Mr Balakian was enthusiastically received at both the receptions and
attendees placed their order for his latest book in substantial
numbers.We are optimistic that ”The Burning Tigris” will enjoy the
same success in the UK as it did in USA.
We wish the young author continued success.
Secretary Hamazkayin – London