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Armenian PM Hovik Abrahamyan along with his French counterpart Manuel Valls opened an Armenian college in Paris suburb of Alfortville, Armenian Government press service reports.

“An educational centre is opening in France, which has given a peaceful home to hundreds and thousands of Armenian Genocide survivors. This confirms our nation’s craving for knowledge. The policy of the Ottoman Empire which decided to eliminate our nation proved useless. Armenians live and create, no matter where they live,” Abrahamyan said.

He expressed gratitude to the authorities and people of France for backing the Armenian community and taking part in the struggle against the Armenian Genocide denial.

“At this solemn moment, I express my gratitude to you, Mr. Prime Minister. The Armenian community constantly feels your warm treatment,” Abrahamyan said, also thanking the Senator and Mayor of Alfortville René Rouquet, the friend of Armenian people.

Abrahamyan decorated humanist Kevork Arabian with a medal for his contribution to the construction of schools, development of Armenian culture and preservation of Armenian identity.  

PM of France Manuel Valls expressed satisfaction with the opening of the Armenian college. According to him, the opening ceremony is very important for the country, since it symbolizes the presence of the youth and preservation of national values.

He also said that according to the agreement with the government of France, the Armenian college will have an equal status with the national educational institutions of the republic.  

“The fact that the opening of the college coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, is very symbolic. President of France was with the Armenian people in Yerevan on April 24 of this year. And I was also with the Armenian people by the statue of Komitas in Paris. It was very important for France to show that we side with the Armenians, since Armenian people suffered a lot, and I call the happening a Genocide. Yes, it was Genocide, and we must struggle against its denial together,” Valls said.

 
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