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The meeting of the commission on the organization of the events dedicated to the 500th anniversary of Armenian book printing took place at the National Library of Armenia on Wednesday, presided over by the Chairman of the commission, RA President Serzh Sargsyan. Along with the members of the commission, the meeting was attended by the heads of the state structures, creative unions and non-governmental organizations involved in the anniversary celebration programs and the Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs of the NKR.

Before the meeting of the commission, President Serzh Sargsyan toured the Tamanian branch of the National Library, familiarized himself with the renovation works and discussed with the responsible officials pending issues. The President of Armenia also visited the renovated reading hall of the Library and observed the exhibition halls dedicated to books. He also attended a small concert program presented by the Luys choir.

Afterwards, the final meeting of the commission took place at the new conference hall of the Library. The Chairman of the commission, President Serzh Sargsyan made opening remarks. “The commission formed in 2008 not only set a goal of publicizing the Armenian books abroad but, first of all, of securing the Armenian book’s role in our lives, its role on the crossroads of our history, of developing and expanding all infrastructures which exist in the book and literature area, including libraries, book printing and book selling areas. We have such an example right before our eyes, but, of course, on this issue there have been some failings and problems. However, we will conclude the comprehensive program of the reconstruction of the National Library. The government has promised and in the nearest future will present for the discussions the main elements of the program – alternative solutions and approximate financial requirements. If we are not able to fully complete these works in one or two years, we will set a timetable. Thus, we will have a modern National Library.

In this anniversary year, I have participated in numerous evens, particularly; the Book Fair in Geneva, where Armenia was present as the Honorary Guest, the “Armenia: the Impressions of a Civilization” exhibition in Venice which received international acclaim, the book exhibition at the Zmmar congregation and, certainly, opening and closing ceremonies of the Yerevan Book Capital festival. Following the events, I came to the important conclusion that all these events dedicated to books have not been confined by the program of the anniversary events. By its format, approaches, target groups and results it has become a comprehensive and purposeful program. The goal we set – to increase the role of the Book, to value and appreciate its mission as well as to bring that mission to its reader, i.e. to ensure the author-reader connection, I believe has received a certain solution. I say it with reservations because, and I would like to repeat, there were problems which we were not able to bring to a final resolution. These are solvable problems and things I mentioned will be solved in the framework of this program. I also believe that the Library is an important piece of infrastructure for the authors and readers and we have to endow it with a modern appearance, comfort and broad opportunities of usage,” President Serzh Sargsyan said.

His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II brought to the participants of the meeting his patriarchal blessings and appreciation. He also made a statement. The RA Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan presented the final general report on the programs implemented in the framework of the 500th anniversary of the Armenian book printing. At the meeting, the members of the commission and heads of the structures involved in the anniversary projects gave their reports.

The Chairman of the commission, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan at the conclusion of the meeting thanked all the participants and supporters of the events implemented in the framework of the program and underscored that Armenia has been able to decently present itself to the world and proudly celebrate a festival which only a few nations have. The President of Armenia assured that the events will not stop with the end of the anniversary year but will continue to move forward with all activities related to books, book printing, preservation of our national heritage and its dissemination in general, presidential press service said.