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 The Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh hosted on June 2-8 international annual classical music festival “Tnjri”. Armenian MP Karine Achemyan, who is a member of NA Standing Committee in education, science, culture, youth and sport affairs, was invited to Artsakh to attend the festival. Panorama.am talked with Mrs. Achemyan about the festival and cultural issues in general.

-Mrs. Achemyan, what would you say about the name of the festival?

-Tnjri is an old tree, which is several thousand years old. The tree grows not far from Stepanakert. The tree symbolizes deep roots of our people and our culture.

- What are your impressions from the festival?

-It’s the second time I’ve been invited to Artsakh as a guest to “Tnjri”. It’s an important event for Karabakh. It was a success. The participants just loved Karabakh.
I’m happy the authorities of Artsakh and the President feel great responsibility towards the event. The authorities there acknowledge that culture is a powerful tool to spread their ideologies. The festival was perfectly organized.
“Tnjri” surely has some political significance. Culture serves as a visiting card for any state.

-What can you tell us about Andreas Rubenyan?

-Mister Rubenyan has been to Artsakh with us. Once he left his life in US and joined the military conflict in Karabakh. In those years he helped Artsakh much. He financed St. Savor Ghazanchetsots Church, and we all are grateful to him.

-Shushi, your impressions of the city…

-Shushi has always been a cultural center. I was happy to see positive changes in Shushi, to enjoy reforms there. An art school has been founded in the city. Children who used to be homeless found shelter here. Children get education, prepare performances, exhibitions. In the end of the year a gallery will be opened in Shushi due to the benefactors.

-What measures should the state adopt to save our culture and to protect it for the future generations?

-Culture is one of the most important elements of our life. Armenians owe a very old culture. We must do everything to protect and keep it. But still it’s important to move on. So we need healthy competition in order gifted and talented people tell us about them. The state must not allow the national culture to be forgotten.

-A comprehensive educational system is a key to development. What tasks would you indicate for Armenian modern educational system?

-We have a dynamically developing educational system. This aspect is positively changing now, although they face some difficulties. It’s natural that not everybody can be satisfied with the changes. I think the representatives of the educational field must keep working and learning new things all the time. I signify the psychological atmosphere in education.