AZERBAIJANI FILM FESTIVAL FAILS IN GYUMRI
PanARMENIAN.Net
April 12, 2012 – 14:23 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net – On April 12, about 50 activists representing
political and non-governmental organizations gathered on Central Square
in the city of Gyumri to oppose the so-called festival of Azerbaijani
films, an event organized by Georgy Vanyan, pro-Azerbaijani activist
who has repeatedly tried to promote Azerbaijani ideas in Armenia.In
Yerevan, about 20 youth activists gathered at Aram Khachatryan monument
with posters saying “NO to grant-taker Vanyanogly and anti-Armenian
activities”.
They handed in an open letter to the Ministry of Culture which, in
particular, said: “Armenia has neither diplomatic nor cultural ties
with Azerbaijan; therefore, organization of such festivals should
be banned in Armenia once and for all,” action participant Edgar
Khachatryan told a reporter of PanARMENIAN.Net
Member of the protest action in Gyumri Vazgen Martirosyan told a
reporter of PanARMENIAN.Net that they have blocked the entrance to
Asparez club where films were expected to be screened.
Earlier, participants of the action entered Asparez club to negotiate
with Georgy Vanyan; following the talks, Vanyan said no screening
will take place if he is allowed to leave the scene.
“He rushed to jump into the car and left, rather fled, with eggs and
other things thrown towards his vehicle,” Martirosyan said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture told the protesters it was unaware
of the “festival”. The officials will respond to the letter on April
13, pledging to look into the matter.
It is worth noting that Caucasus Center of Peace-Making Initiatives
NGO was going to organize a so-called festival of Azerbaijani films
in the city of Gyumri.
The idea came from Georgy Vanyan who got a grant from the U.S. embassy
in Armenia for this purpose. He had earlier attempted to hold such
festivals, which however, have all failed again.
From: A. Papazian